Kemp Dunaway

Kemp Rush Dunaway

Kemp Rush Dunaway died on July 2, 2014 at Southminster.

Kemp was a 3rd generation Charlottean, born to Marie Kemp Dunaway and Howard Yates Dunaway on April 12, 1925. He grew up in the family home on East Morehead Street and attended Charlotte Schools. He was a member of the Central High Class of 1943 and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1947 with a BA in Economics. Kemp was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He served in the US Navy in World War II as Lt., J.G. and was Executive Officer of the USS Tortuga in the South Pacific. In 1947 he became a partner at H.Y. Dunaway Company, beginning a successful real estate sales career that spanned 60 years. 

He was married to Lucile Belle Armbrecht, of Mobile, Alabama, on December 8, 1949. Kemp was a gifted musician, following in the steps of his mother, a popular piano teacher, and his uncle, Hal Kemp who was a well known orchestra leader. He played the clarinet, and while at Central High formed a band called "Swing and Sway with Dunaway." His love of music continued as he played his clarinet in the Men's Bible Class Orchestra at Myers Park Presbyterian Church for 57 years, and in The Piedmont Club's "Filthy Five." At Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Kemp served as Elder, Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Clerk of the Session, and President of the Men's Bible Class. He served as President of The Charlotte Country Club and the Piedmont Club. He was a member of DeBordieu Club and The Benedicts Dance Club. Kemp loved sports especially golf and tennis and was an enthusiastic supporter of all Tar Heel Sports. He treasured his time with Lucile and his family at their DeBordieu home.

In addition to his wife, Lucile, Kemp is survived by his children, Kemp Dunaway, Jr. (Liz), Connie Blythe (Frank) and son, Rush Dunaway. He leaves a brother, Howard "Sonny" Dunaway (Sue) and a sister-in-law Johanna Bauknight (Charlie). He was predeceased by his sister, Peggy Dunaway Spotswood. Kemp was loved by his seven grandchildren: Alec Blythe (Lane), Kempie Blythe, Jake Dunaway, Byron Dunaway, Rush Dunaway, Lewis Dunaway and Bennett Dunaway. He was blessed to know and love his Great-Grandson, Lawton Alexander Blythe. He will be missed by his extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Southminster Health Unit for their unfailing kindness and for the excellent care given to Kemp during his stay.

A memorial service will be held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church on July 9, 2014, at 11 am. The family will receive visitors after the service in Oxford Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207.