Charlie Kemp was born on August 8, 1923 to Ed and Isadora Kemp in Mullins, SC.  His twin sister was Ida.  At an early age, he learned the farming trade, and also developed a passion for mechanic work.  He established himself as a well-respected mechanic in the Whiteville area, and by the early 1950’s was widely known as one of the few who knew how to work on an automatic transmission.

In the mid 1950’s, he left NC and moved to NJ, pursuing greater opportunity.  He worked there for over 20 years, and eventually retired — moving back home to Whiteville, NC.

Charlie passed away in July 1980 in Whiteville, NC.