Delta State University mourns the loss of Carpenter Supervisor Emeritus, Michael Kemp of Merigold, Mississippi, who passed away on June 7, 2024. He was 65. The University flag will fly at half-staff today through sunset on Saturday, June 15, in Mr. Kemp’s honor.
Michael Kemp
Mr. Michael Tyrone Kemp was born in Merigold in 1959 and graduated from Cleveland High School. He played football at the University of Missouri and served in the U.S. Army before returning to Cleveland where he was a carpenter for the past 40 years.
Michael started working at Delta State in 1996 as a carpenter, and he was promoted to Carpentry Supervisor in 2013. He was selected as Delta State’s Administrative Staff Council’s Employee of the Month in May 2013, an honor that recognizes exceptional service among staff. After receiving the award, Michael stated, “I truly enjoy my job and the people of Delta State. Thank you to the Delta State family for all they have done for me.”
Michael was a guest on the September 4, 2018, episode of the Fireside Chat, during a special Labor Day edition that featured Facilities Management. When asked about the Facilities team, Michael commented that, “We jump in and help…and that’s what makes facilities a better place and a great place to work.”
After 26 years at Delta State, Michael retired in 2022, and he was awarded emeritus status as Carpenter Supervisor Emeritus. After retirement, he was often seen in the student union, always with a smile on his face.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Johnson and Scott Mortuary, located at 904 Chrisman Avenue in Cleveland. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 14, at 12:00 p.m. at Bright Star MB Church, 201 North Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, in Merigold, with burial following in Merigold Cemetery under the direction of Johnson and Scott Mortuary, Cleveland. Reverend Dexter Brown will officiate.
Please click here for additional information.
As shown in the remembrances below, Mr. Kemp was dedicated to his family, the community, and Delta State University, and we will miss him greatly.
He was always one to pitch in and help others when needed. Over the years, when he got a call asking for his help, we would hear him say, “I’ll be right there.” After he hung up the phone, he would look at you and say, “I’ll be right back!” –Mr. Craig Clemons, Manager Emeritus of Custodial Support Services
Michael, or Mr. Kemp as I liked to call him, was a great supervisor and friend. He and I go way back, and he was my second supervisor at Delta State. He knew everybody and never met a stranger. Rest in peace, boss! –Mr. Lamar Ferrell, Maintenance Specialist III, Facilities Management
I worked with Michael Kemp for as long as I can remember. He represented Facilities Management and Delta State well when out and about on campus. He always greeted you with a smile on his face and had a willing attitude. –Ms. Julie Jackson, Customer Service Manager, Facilities Management
Michael Kemp was a fun, hard-working, family guy. I enjoyed giving him a hard time, often telling him he was not doing enough. I was saddened to hear the news. My prayers and condolences are with his wife – Brenda, kids, and the Kemp/Brown family. –Ms. Carla Johnson, Program Director–Delta Educational Opportunity Center
Michael and I worked together for 18-19 years. When he would head out to work, I would always hear him say, “Gonna make it do what it do.” –Don Smith, Locksmith Supervisor, Facilities Management
Mike was the best person for the job, no matter what he had to do, it was done with a smile. I will miss him. –Mrs. Barbara Washington, Projector Coordinator, JumpStart Program, Student Success Center
He was at Delta State when I first started working there. I saw him on my first day, and he said, “What are you doing over here?” He took me under his wing, and we had a great time working together over the years.” When I started back to school in 2003, he told me that he was so proud of me for doing that at that time in my life. He told me to let him know if I needed anything and to call on him at any time.
He was a great friend. –Mr. Sammy Wilson, Retiree, Facilities Management
