David Stout Kenemer

David Stout Kenemer, affectionately known to his family as 'Pop', was born November 4, 1937 in Dalton, Georgia. He graduated from Dalton High School with honors. In 1956, upon graduation, Pop moved to Atlanta and joined the Georgia Army National Guard in a full-time capacity. While serving his country, Pop began attending Georgia State University at night. Pop graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1962. This achievement would allow Pop to advance his military career and serve his country in an even greater capacity. In 1977, Pop married the love of his life, Gerry (affectionately known as 'Mom'). Pop may have been at his very best when managing his blended family that consisted of his two daughters, his new bride and her three daughters. Yes, no typo--one Pop and his six beautiful, vivacious 'girls'! While Pop can be described as a man of few words, his words always spoke volumes. Pop's words were always filled with God's wisdom and love, spoken with just the right touch at just the right time. They have resided happily in Conyers for their entire marriage of nearly 46 years. Pop was a member of Rockdale Baptist Church since 1967. As long as he was able, Pop faithfully served at Rockdale Baptist Church doing so many 'do-gooder' tasks it would not be possible to list them all. He was a deacon and a faithful member of the choir. Pop loved music so much that, after retirement, he began to learn to play guitar in his sixties. In 1990, Pop was activated to the U.S. Army where he was named the U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for the State of Georgia. Pop continued to serve his country and State in this position until he retired with the rank of Colonel from the U.S. Army on November 30, 1997. In 2015, Pop was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Pop completely understood this new journey and challenge he had before him. This progressive, crippling disease started slowly, but it steadily took its toll. Veronica Roth once wrote, 'No matter how long you train someone to be brave, you never know if they are or not until something real happens.' Faced with the greatest challenge of his life, Pop put on an unprecedented display of bravery and courage for all to witness. An unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and 42 years of military training were fully engaged for all to see. He would not be defeated. He did not waver and he never complained. Even when he could no longer walk, he stood tall. When he could no longer speak, his gestures spoke volumes. Even as his life was slowly slipping away, his hallmark of quiet strength never waned. He did this not for himself, but for the glory of God and for the benefit of all who were watching. When Pop quietly left this earth, he left behind one of his greatest gifts, a legacy of courage and valor for all to draw on when hardships come our way. Pop peacefully passed away on the afternoon of August 31, 2023. Our loss is Heaven's gain! Survivors include his beloved wife of 46 years, Geraldine Mollie Kenemer; five daughters, Debbie Stewart (Chip), Kimberly Thornton (John), Carole Sosebee (Jimmy), Kim Black (Jody) and Lori Diddle (J.J.). In addition, he is survived by 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, two brothers - Bernard (Martha) Kenemer and Marshall (Deniece) Kenemer, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard Cromwell Kenemer and Lois Stout Kenemer of Dalton, Georgia, and his sister and brother-in-law Virginia and Kenneth Day. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

David Stout Kenemer

November 4, 1937 - August 31, 2023