Interviewee Biogrphy
Biographical Information Form
Interviewee – Robert L. Kemp
Address: Central, SC 29630
Email: neals10@bellsouth.net
Birthdate: January 3, 1949
Birthplace: Anderson, South Carolina
Lived most of his life: Clemson, South Carolina.
Parents: Josie May Ladd Kemp and Garfield Kemp
Retired from Ohio Gear in Liberty, SC
Current President of Clemson Area African American Museum
Spouse of 50 years - Bessie/Pat Kemp at same email and address
Robert Kemp spent his entire life in and around Clemson, South Carolina in Pickens County. Through elementary and high school, he was the younger brother, following Jimmy who was two years older. Both brothers attended Clearview High School in Easley, South Carolina. This was the last segregated Black high school for Clemson students. Right out of high school, Robert’s older brother, Jimmy Kemp (born July 8, 1947 – died June 6, 1967) joined the Air Force. Soon after joining the service, Jimmy went to Vietnam, where he died in a non-combat related drowning. Robert took the role of only son at age 17.
After high school, Robert took a job at Clemson College, yet soon he was pointed to a more professional job by an older co-worker. He took a job at SOCAR (name taken from South Carolina), which later changed its name to Ohio Gear. His responsibilities varied, starting in the office and moving into power transmission area.
This oral history focuses on Robert as a community leader. Beyond that, Robert has been a leader in several important periods of his life. The early death of his older brother left Robert the only son. Robert married Bessie (Pat) Kemp in 1969 and celebrated 50 years together this year. Together they cared for both his parents in their later lives while raising two children, son Victor Kemp and daughter Valorie Kemp-Culp.
Becoming a serious and accomplished dog trainer, Robert added the skill of teaching others how to handle their dogs to his leadership list. For more than three decades, he has done dog-obedience training as well as AKC sanctioned dog showing. His son Victor now follows in Dad’s footsteps. Finally, Robert Kemp’s move in 2009 to become the President of the Clemson Area African American Museum (CAAAM) illustrates the community-level reach of his leadership. With recent interest by the City of Clemson in highlighting the CAAAM, Robert carries significant responsibility to think and act creatively.
Good health promises to give Robert Kemp many more years to live and lead in Clemson. This oral history documents his life at age 70. A future researcher will be fortunate to track this important man as he lives on.