Bobby Wayne Kemp

Bobby Wayne Kemp passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 87, in Niceville, FL. He was born in Opp, AL on July 28, 1937, to Wiley Tullis Kemp and Hazel Pauline Henson Kemp. Bobby graduated from Fayetteville High School NC in 1955 and began his college studies at Mississippi State University. He transferred to North Carolina State College where he joined the Army ROTC program. After serving in the Army in Germany he returned to Mississippi State University, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Business and Industry in 1965, followed by Master of Business Administration in 1966. He completed his Doctor of Business Administration in 1972.

Dr. B. Wayne Kemp was a professor in the School of Business Administration for 20 years at the University of Tennessee at Martin. During his tenure there, he was chosen to work for the Social Security Administration under the 1977 Federal Faculty Fellowship Program, as a consultant to the office of data development. He served many years as a member and officer of the Southern Management Association. He retired as Professor Emeritus.

After retirement, Bobby followed his university colleagues, Howard and Mary Jones to Panama City, where he was active in the St. Andrews Baptist Church.

Bobby is survived by his sister Rita Dew, nephew Newton Parks and niece Anita Lucas. He also leaves his dear friends, Valerie Valade with whom he shared many years of friendship and companionship and Connie Cantrell, a close friend since his early days as a professor at UT Martin. He was a very kind man to all who knew him and will be truly missed. No matter how much help he needed, he finished every call asking “Is there anything I can do to help you?”

A memorial service will be held at a later date.