Decatur WWII veteran celebrates 102nd birthday

article

Calvin George Kemp is celebrating his 102nd birthday today. (Courtesy of the family)

DECATUR, Ga. - Family, friends, and churchgoers gathered in Decatur over the weekend to help a World War II veteran celebrate his 102nd birthday.

Calvin George Kemp was born at Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital on June 2, 1923, and refers to himself as a "Grady Baby." 

What we know:

Kemp served in the Navy during World War II, beginning in 1943 and returning to Atlanta in 1946.

"I always got involved," Kemp said. "When my son was in elementary school, he got into the Boy Scouts [of America], and so I became a scoutmaster. And when he was playing ball in Little League, I coached." 

Kemp was a brick mason for 25 years and served as a representative of the Black Brick Layers Union in the years before the unions were integrated.

In 1973, he shifted gears and moved to the school system to teach masonry. Throughout his life, he's been actively involved in his church and just recently retired as director of the seniors and retirees program at Saint Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta.

"I've always played bridge," Kemp says. "I have always been athletic and followed sports. I've always loved talking to people, and I love listening to good music-- King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington--but I am not a fan of rap."

Happy 102nd birthday to Decatur WWII veteran

Decatur WWII Calvin George Kemp was honored with a luncheon at Saint Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta on his 102nd birthday. Kemp served in the Navy during World War II, beginning in 1943 and returning to Atlanta in 1946.

What they're saying:

He celebrated his 102nd birthday today at Saint Philip with Pastor Anton Elwood, his family and church family.

"There's no secret," he says. "I'm just blessed. I think it helps to be positive and make plans. Let's live for today, look forward to tomorrow, and leave yesterday behind us."