Kemp Arnold Michael

Kemp Arnold Michael died at home on May 22, 2026, at the age of 78.  Kemp was preceded in death by his parents, Kemp Shuford Michael and Merle Hilda McBrayer Michael, and a brother, Philip Carlton Michael, who died as an infant.  

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cynthia Porterfield Michael, his son, Kemp Allen Michael (Marsha), his daughter, Jane Marie Michael Anders (Joshua), and his step-daughter, Caryn Tino Kay (James “Bo”), as well as grandchildren: Grace Patricia Michael, Olivia Lynn Michael, Leo Michael Anders, and Emily Jane Anders, and step-grandchildren: James T. Kay, III, and Jordan Elaine Kay.

Although raised in Charlotte, he often visited his grandparents in Mount Holly and moved to Mount Holly in 1972 to practice law.From then on, Kemp dedicated his professional life to the community he loved. Appointed City Attorney of Mount Hollyin 1973, he faithfully served the City until his retirement in 2022. During his decades of service, Kemp became far more than the City’s attorney, he became one of the principal architects of modern Mount Holly, leaving an enduring imprint that can be seen from one city limit line to another.

Throughout his distinguished career, Kemp zealously protected and advanced the City’s interests with wisdom, integrity, and unwavering dedication. He guided Mount Holly through forty three annexations, including the historic annexation of Catawba Heights, successfully defended critical municipal actions on appeal, negotiated conservation easements protecting hundreds of acres along the Catawba River, led the legal acquisition of and negotiation of the construction contract for the Mount Holly Municipal Complex, assisted with the downtown streetscape bond referendum, tirelessly worked to advance the City’s greenway system through years of careful negotiations, and successfully negotiated the interlocal wastewater agreement between Mount Holly and Charlotte.

Kemp’s dedication to service extended well beyond City Hall. Even during serious personal health battles, including years of dialysis, a kidney transplant generously donated by his son Allen, and later cancer treatments, he continued serving his clients and community with extraordinary perseverance. He performed pro bono estate planning work for dialysis patients and families in need for over twenty years, advocated for organ donation awareness, and never allowed adversity to diminish his commitment to others.

His community involvement was extensive and impactful. Kemp served as President of the Mount Holly Rotary Club, where he founded the Rotary Children’s Christmas Party that continues to serve local children today. He dedicated fourteen years to the Gaston County Board of Education, including service as Chairperson, and contributed to numerous civic and charitable organizations throughout Gaston County. Kemp was a member of First United Methodist Church and previously served as a Sunday School teacher.  He also coached youth basketball, mentored countless young people, and quietly provided legal assistance to many individuals and organizations in need.  In recognition of his efforts, he was awarded Mount Holly Man of the Year in 2013 and the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2020.  He was especially moved by the generous decision by the Mount Holly City Council to name a new connector road now under construction “Kemp A. Michael Way”.

Above all, Kemp was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He treasured his family and rarely missed an opportunity to support his children and grandchildren in all of life’s moments, including attending almost all their sports activities. He liked hiking in Kings Mountain and the Blue Ridge mountains, with camping even in the rain.  He loved horses and trail riding, and he rode his horse in the Mount Holly Christmas Parade for many years with his children.  He lovedthe lake house and water skiing in the middle of the week when the water was calm like glass, and teaching others to ski or pulling them on the tube.  He liked snow skiing as well, but his favorite thing to do in the snow was to pull a string of sleds behind his four-wheeler. 

Kemp also loved the beach and the smell of salt water when arriving at midnight after a long day at work.  He loved the outer banks and fishing trips with his buddies, as well as family vacations there.   Kemp had a great love for fishing, especially in Georgetown, SC.  As much as he loved fishing, he enjoyed watching someone new to deep sea fishing catch a big fish.  Then he would invite as many as possible to a fish fry at home with doors opened wide and a big pot of cheese grits.  Kemp and Cindy hosted many parties over the years with a large following, including Super Bowl partiesand Fourth of July parties.  Kemp liked to travel, and he often recalled fond memories of his two trips to Alaska with his son, cousin, and friends, as well as other trips to London, Paris, Italy, Cuba, Mexico, Canada, and out west.  In August, Kemp never missed an opportunity to attend church at Rock Springs Camp Meeting, as well as play bridge, eat ham biscuits, and serve homemade ice cream with family and friends.  He had a great love for poetry, and took great pride in his writing, especially writing meaningful resolutions to honor certain people which were adopted by the City Council, framed, and hung with admiration. His kindness, humility, love of community, and appreciation for the simple beauty of everyday life left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Kempoften reminded people under great stress that the sun is still shining, and he embodied that motto in his own life.