The Kemp family has been a vital part of Murrayville for several generations.
Last week, they said goodbye to Sammy Kemp, who died much too young at the age of 56.
The patriarch, Sonny, passed away a few years ago and was one of Murrayville’s most colorful characters. An intersection on Ga. 60 was named in his honor.
Gloria, the matriarch, still operates a flea market in the location of their former neighborhood store. She also ran the popular Murrayburger for 17 years and after that, the same building was home to Kemp Tire, which was owned and operated by Sammy.
In addition to his own business, Sammy worked with Sonny in the trucking business for many years.
At Sammy’s funeral on Sunday, the Rev. Ricky Stone summed it up this way about Sammy.
"If you liked him, you liked him," Stone said, "and if you didn’t, it was all right with him."
Based on the crowd Sunday at Yellow Creek Baptist Church, a lot of folks liked him a lot. He and the entire Kemp family have left an indelible mark on Murrayville.
One of the Gainesville football greats is gone
David Martin had the Red Elephant faithful on their feet during the 1966 season, setting records that would stand for 30 years. During that 10-2 season, he set the single season record for rushing yards and points scored. He also was named the State Back of the Year in Class AA. The team went on to win the Northeast Georgia championship. Martin, 61, died Sunday. His talents on the football field were held in high esteem for generations that followed.
Happy birthday, sister Ruby
If I were a preacher, I think I might hire Ruby Brawner to be in the congregation just to liven things up.
She is "truly" one of the most enthusiastic members of Antioch Baptist Church. Sister Ruby celebrated her 76th birthday last weekend. This comes on the heels of a really big 75th celebration last year. Incidentally, "truly" is Ruby’s most used response for something she agrees with.
Make that the very reverend
Having been named dean of the North Georgia Convocation, the Rev. Doug Dailey, rector of Grace Episcopal Church can add the word "Very" to his title. I was over at Grace one Wednesday night last year as a guest speaker and the Very Rev. Dailey seemed to have the same amount of reverence as before.
I asked my pastor, the regular Rev. Bill Coates, what it would take for him to earn the "very reverend" title. He told me he’d get back to me on that.
If it’s fancy vestments you need, the Very Rev. Dailey can help you out. I don’t know where you buy it, but he’s got the best I’ve seen in these parts.
Just a thought: If Ruby Brawner moved her membership to Grace Episcopal, would that make Doug Dailey the Very Revved Up Reverend?
Star is rising for Zac Brown Band
A year ago, the Zac Brown Band was on the club circuit. But 2008 was their breakout year and their hit, "Chicken Fried," reached the top of the country charts.
Last week, the band was featured on ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
Zac Brown, the band leader, is from Dahlonega, and John Hopkins of Gainesville plays bass and also is featured on vocals.
Harris Blackwood is community editor of The Times. His columns appear Wednesdays and
Sundays. He can be reached at 770-718-3423.