A Time To Be Born:

Richard Leroy Kemp was born on May 3, 1954, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Jazzetta Canedy Kemp and Steve Kemp, Jr.

A Time To Learn:

Richard was educated in the Buffalo School System at PS School 16 and Emerson High School. During high school, Richard was involved in the Culinary Science Program and became an excellent cook. He was often asked by instructors and other teachers to prepare and cook meals. He also pursued an undergraduate degree at Medaille College in Buffalo, New York.

A Time To Serve:

Under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Michael Chapman, Richard accepted Christ at St. John Baptist Church and served on the Male Usher Board. He served in the Army ROTC Program from 1976 to 1980 and ranked Lieutenant.

A Time To Toil:

Richard was employed as a Deputy Sheriff for the Erie County Sheriff's Department from 1981 to December 2011. During his employment, he faithfully served in the Domestic Violence Court under Judge Jeannette Ogden and numerous other judges. He respectfully mentored, encouraged and helped to rehabilitate many that came through his court.

A Time To Love:

Richard loved his wife, children and family. He united in matrimony on July 29, 1978 to the love of his life, Madrene Diane Howell, his soul mate for 47 years. There were two beautiful children born from this union, Nichele LeTrese and Richard Jr. Riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with his wife on the back brought Richard pure joy. But cooking delicious meals for family and friends was his real passion. Seafood gumbo, chili, barbecue ribs and meatloaf were just a few of his specialties. Richard loved his wife so much that he informed her twenty years ago of his plans to retire and relocate to Florence, Alabama. God blessed him to see their future home 5 years prior to purchasing it. While still in Buffalo, New York he saw the house on the internet. He called his wife, who at the time was in Florence, and told her "I found our home." He trusted Madrene, Gilda Hooks (aunt), Joyce Green (cousin) and Dihanne Westfield (dear friend) to look at two houses and report back to him which one he should purchase. He then spoke with real estate agent, Jacque Taylor, and purchased the 'legacy of love' he wanted to leave his wife before taking his final journey home.

A Time To Mourn:

Richard leaves to mourn his passing: his loving and devoted wife, Madrene; his children, Nichele and Richard Jr.; his sister, Annette Kemp; brother, Robert Kemp; aunts, Hilda Williams and Annie Gray; uncle, Eugene Kemp; mother-in-law, Myra Howell; sisters-in-law, Glenda Smith (Stan) and Etta Howell; brother-in-law, Terry Howell; special aunt, Gilda Hooks; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A Time To Rest Richard…

"Even though we loved you so much, the Lord came calling,

"My servant, my angel, it's time to go