William G. Kemp Sr.

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William G. Kemp Sr., 62, 1828 11th Ave., Altoona, passed on to be with the Lord Monday at UPMC Montefiore, Pittsburgh, after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Altoona, son of Harry and Florence (Groce) Kemp.

Bill attended the Altoona Area School District until 1963, then graduated in 1966 from Clearfield High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966, during which time he trained as a field radio repairman, marksman- carbine and sharpshooter-rifle. He received the National Defense Service Medal upon being honorably discharged in 1968.

In 1969, he married Constance Pendleton, and that union bore five children: Jennifer DeAnn, William G. II, twins Brandon L. and Braeden L., and Shante L.

Bill was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Harry Jr.; his son Braeden; and his foster parents: Walter and Florence Henry and Robert Green.

Surviving are four children; his former wife; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his companion of many years, Cheryl Dunn; a sister, Mary Denyce Johnson of Harrisburg; his foster mother, Bernice Green; an aunt, Clara Lowry; a lifelong friend, Eric McCoy; and a host of cousins and friends.

Bill was an avid fisherman in his day. He was a member of VFW Post 3 and Arandale Lodge 184. He was employed by Dominion Peoples for 32 years.

Bill was known by many as "Happy Feet" Kemp because of his love to dance. He loved his family and friends and his faithful dog, Bullet, and he enjoyed spending time with them more than anything.

A repast will be held at the UVA Tuesday after the committal service. All food donations may be dropped off at noon.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2009, and 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona (www.stevensmortuary.com).

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Stevens Memorial Chapel by Pastor Robin Ross. Committal will be held at Blair Memorial Park.