Robert "Bob" N. Kemph

Robert “Bob” N. Kemph, Jr., age 81, a resident of Athens and former resident of Atlanta, GA, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026. 

Bob was a born salesman, who was successful with a number of companies, including Gerber, Kimberly-Clark, Revlon, and Transus. His last job was as an associate of Crye-Leike Realty in Athens, TN. Along the way, he also embarked on several entrepreneurial ventures, including opening a high-end coffee shop called Kokopelli, which preceded the proliferation of Starbucks on every corner. 

Bob was a fun-loving guy who enjoyed sports cars (especially Corvettes), the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Falcons. He never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. He was also a joker, sometimes surprising people by wearing a scary mask just to see their reaction! He’d also say funny things like “I feel like a million dollars! …Already spent.” 

Bob was a member of First Baptist Church in Athens for 14 years and is now with Jesus!   

He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert N. Kemph, Sr. and Lois Gunn Ray.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Cathryn Harvey Kemph; his daughter, Angela K. McInish (Keith); his granddaughter, Kaitlin Faust; and his half-brothers: Hal Kemph (Sherry), and Phillip Kemph. He is also survived by his beloved siblings-in-law: Ron Harvey (Sonya), Dan Harvey (Gail), Caroline Bogue (Mike), David Harvey (Kathy), John Harvey (Alana), and his “twin brother” Carey Hicks.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church of Athens on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Josh Vance officiating.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with serving the family of Robert “Bob” N. Kemph, Jr.