Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – Dr. Charles E. “Pete” Kemp, the founder of The Children’s Clinic in Jonesboro, passed away Thursday morning at St. Bernards Medical Center.
Kemp was 97 at the time of his passing, having just celebrated his birthday on Tuesday.
Born on Sept. 29, 1929, in Trumann, Dr. Kemp played a role in shaping Northeast Arkansas’ healthcare landscape.
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After completing his pediatrics residency at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, several Jonesboro physicians recruited him back to Northeast Arkansas to establish a much-needed pediatric specialty as St. Bernards Hospital sought to expand. He officially founded The Children’s Clinic in 1959, where he practiced for over 60 years until retiring in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
In a statement announcing his passing, The Children’s Clinic reflected on his impact.
“He leaves behind an amazing legacy and was a pioneer in the field of pediatrics for Northeast Arkansas. He has touched countless lives and generations. Can you imagine? He started the clinic before there were vaccines and even amoxicillin,” the statement read.
The clinic remembered him as a “great physician, friend, and mentor to many” who had a kind soul and a love for telling stories.
Known for his warmth, humor, and ability to connect with others, Dr. Kemp was also a practical joker and an avid fan of both the Arkansas Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals. He shared nearly five decades of marriage with his wife, Frances, whom he met during medical school.
Visitation for Dr. Kemp will be held Sunday, Oct. 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel at 1629 E. Nettleton Ave. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at First United Methodist Church at 801 S. Main St., located across from the clinic. Rev. Jacob Lynn will officiate the service, which will be followed by a private burial.
Out of respect for Dr. Kemp and to allow employees to attend his service, The Children’s Clinic will close Monday afternoon. For memorials, his family has asked that consideration be given to the St. Bernards Development Foundation or Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
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