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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Harold D. Slemp
Harold D.
Slemp
October 10, 1934 – April 20, 2024
Harold D. Slemp's Obituary
Harold D. Slemp passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Named “Toby” by his beloved sister, he lived a wonderful 89 years. Seldom did you see Harold without a smile or in a jolly mood. Born on the “Banks of Slemp Creek” in Sugar Grove on October 10, 1934 to Ella Mae and Roy Slemp, Harold always considered Sugar Grove his Heaven on earth and Slemp Creek to have special healing powers. If you were from Sugar Grove that meant you had an automatic connection with him. Even in his last few days he didn’t pass up the opportunity to visit the family farm with his son Chris, something they did regularly as a Sunday trip for the two. Harold would go on to mostly grow up in Marion, Virginia and after graduating high school he attended Virginia Tech. While at Tech he was a member of the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadet, graduating in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. In 2007, he was inducted into the “Old Guard” of the Corp of Cadets. He remained a dedicated, faithful, and true Hokie throughout his whole life. Harold also served in the Army Reserve for 11 years and achieved the rank of Captain. Harold married Betty Ann Robinson in July of 1960. They were married for 61 “glorious” years, as he would often would often tell people until her death in May of 2021. Betty was the love of Harold’s life and her death tremendously burdened him. To those that were close to Harold it was obvious he greatly missed her. Harold started his business career with Allstate Insurance in Roanoke, Virginia as an underwriter. After a short time, he returned to Marion and assumed the role of insurance agent with Gills and Miles Insurance Agency. Harold eventually became president of Giles and Miles, later incorporating it into Slemp-Brant and Associates. He would remain president of the agency for more than 40 years. He believed the town needed a thriving “downtown” and felt strongly about having a business on Main Street. He really loved being a part of the community and its economy. Harold was not only active as a local insurance agent, he was very active in the Independent Insurance Agents of the Virginia (“The Big I”). He served on many state insurance committees and for one term as the chairman of the State Association. In 1997, he was awarded the “Golden Eagle,” an award for outstanding contributions to the insurance industry and agent of the year. After retiring from the insurance industry, Harold also spent several years as a real estate agent with Appalachian Reality. Continuing a legacy of many Slemps before him, Harold was an active politician engaged in many political associations throughout the Commonwealth. He served for several years as the chairman of the Smyth County Republican Party. He and Betty would often host visiting federal and state elected officials. One of Harold’s prized possessions is a photo of himself and former President Ronald Reagan shaking hands in the White House. He also served a term on the Smyth County Board of Supervisors. Furthermore, he was appointed by Governor Allen to the Charitable Gaming Commission and served for two appointments with his last two years as chairman of the Commission. Harold wanted to see not only Marion and Smyth County prosper, but Southwest Virginia as a whole. Harold was truly an outgoing and incredibly friendly person. If he met you for the first time, he’d always find some connection with you. He would often tell the employees at Slemp-Brant to take care of a customer because they “rode the school bus together.” The staff in the office always assumed and joked that he must have ridden a double decker school bus. He loved being around people and was always happy to see his friends and family. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother and son. He wanted the best for his children and would do whatever was needed to see them advance. He made sure they obtained a quality education (something he strongly believed in) and was incredibly proud to see all of them achieve master’s degrees in their related fields. He also loved being a grandfather and never missed a chance to see the grandkids. The grandkids were a true joy in his life. In terms of his philanthropic and civic interests, Harold contributed to many local organizations and sat on several boards. He was a member and former president of the Marion Lions Club, member and former president of the Marion Country Club, member of the Marion Band Boosters, member and former chairman of the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce, named “Outstanding Businessman” of Smyth County in 1982, and member and former president of the Smyth County Hokie Club. He also assisted with the United Way, American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Furthermore, he was a proud member of the Marion Masonic Lodge #31. Harold was a Christian. As a member of the Methodist Church, he served in many roles and on all boards related to the church. Betty would often find Harold reading his bible prior to turning in for the night. Harold and Betty would later conform to the Anglican tradition and join Christ Episcopal Church in Marion. After Betty’s death, Harold would continue to attend Christ Episcopal Church or the Marion Baptist Church with his sister Mavis, whom he loved and adored.
He is survived by his sons, Christopher Slemp (Heidi) of Marion, VA, David Robinson-Slemp of Washington D.C.; daughter, Amy Slemp (Toby) of Gothenburg, Sweden; his “little sister,” Mavis Williams (Roger) of Marion, VA; brother, Scottie Slemp (Robin) of Cartersville, GA; sister, Patty Slemp Mauney of Decatur, GA; sisters-in-law, Thelma Mathena (Don) and Nancy Robinson; grandchildren, Thomas, Jacob, Noah, Emma, Austin, Autumn, Alex and Ashlynn; several accomplished nieces, nephews and cousins; god-children, Andrea Boone and Jenny Boone; and numerous friends.
The family is truly grateful to his sister Mavis for her assistance and caring of Harold during the last couple of years. Harold was very close with Mavis and was incredibly proud of both her. The family is also grateful to Mr. Bill Gravely for his assistance in taking care of Harold.
Harold’s family will receive friends Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 3 until 4:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 409 West Main Street, Marion VA. A celebration of Harold’s life will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Emily Edmondson officiating. Military Rites will be rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honors Guard and Francis Marion VFW Post #4667. His interment will be private, next to Betty in Rose Lawn Cemetery with Reverend Dr. Charles Stewart officiating. In keeping with Harold’s spirit and love of Virginia Tech, please feel free to wear your Hokie colors to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family request you make donations to Christ Episcopal Church c/o Treasurer, PO Box 189, Marion VA 24354; or Marion Baptist Church 1258 North Main Street, Marion VA 24354.
To share memories of Harold D. Slemp, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Harold has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion VA 24354.
Named “Toby” by his beloved sister, he lived a wonderful 89 years. Seldom did you see Harold without a smile or in a jolly mood. Born on the “Banks of Slemp Creek” in Sugar Grove on October 10, 1934 to Ella Mae and Roy Slemp, Harold always considered Sugar Grove his Heaven on earth and Slemp Creek to have special healing powers. If you were from Sugar Grove that meant you had an automatic connection with him. Even in his last few days he didn’t pass up the opportunity to visit the family farm with his son Chris, something they did regularly as a Sunday trip for the two. Harold would go on to mostly grow up in Marion, Virginia and after graduating high school he attended Virginia Tech. While at Tech he was a member of the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadet, graduating in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. In 2007, he was inducted into the “Old Guard” of the Corp of Cadets. He remained a dedicated, faithful, and true Hokie throughout his whole life. Harold also served in the Army Reserve for 11 years and achieved the rank of Captain. Harold married Betty Ann Robinson in July of 1960. They were married for 61 “glorious” years, as he would often would often tell people until her death in May of 2021. Betty was the love of Harold’s life and her death tremendously burdened him. To those that were close to Harold it was obvious he greatly missed her. Harold started his business career with Allstate Insurance in Roanoke, Virginia as an underwriter. After a short time, he returned to Marion and assumed the role of insurance agent with Gills and Miles Insurance Agency. Harold eventually became president of Giles and Miles, later incorporating it into Slemp-Brant and Associates. He would remain president of the agency for more than 40 years. He believed the town needed a thriving “downtown” and felt strongly about having a business on Main Street. He really loved being a part of the community and its economy. Harold was not only active as a local insurance agent, he was very active in the Independent Insurance Agents of the Virginia (“The Big I”). He served on many state insurance committees and for one term as the chairman of the State Association. In 1997, he was awarded the “Golden Eagle,” an award for outstanding contributions to the insurance industry and agent of the year. After retiring from the insurance industry, Harold also spent several years as a real estate agent with Appalachian Reality. Continuing a legacy of many Slemps before him, Harold was an active politician engaged in many political associations throughout the Commonwealth. He served for several years as the chairman of the Smyth County Republican Party. He and Betty would often host visiting federal and state elected officials. One of Harold’s prized possessions is a photo of himself and former President Ronald Reagan shaking hands in the White House. He also served a term on the Smyth County Board of Supervisors. Furthermore, he was appointed by Governor Allen to the Charitable Gaming Commission and served for two appointments with his last two years as chairman of the Commission. Harold wanted to see not only Marion and Smyth County prosper, but Southwest Virginia as a whole. Harold was truly an outgoing and incredibly friendly person. If he met you for the first time, he’d always find some connection with you. He would often tell the employees at Slemp-Brant to take care of a customer because they “rode the school bus together.” The staff in the office always assumed and joked that he must have ridden a double decker school bus. He loved being around people and was always happy to see his friends and family. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother and son. He wanted the best for his children and would do whatever was needed to see them advance. He made sure they obtained a quality education (something he strongly believed in) and was incredibly proud to see all of them achieve master’s degrees in their related fields. He also loved being a grandfather and never missed a chance to see the grandkids. The grandkids were a true joy in his life. In terms of his philanthropic and civic interests, Harold contributed to many local organizations and sat on several boards. He was a member and former president of the Marion Lions Club, member and former president of the Marion Country Club, member of the Marion Band Boosters, member and former chairman of the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce, named “Outstanding Businessman” of Smyth County in 1982, and member and former president of the Smyth County Hokie Club. He also assisted with the United Way, American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Furthermore, he was a proud member of the Marion Masonic Lodge #31. Harold was a Christian. As a member of the Methodist Church, he served in many roles and on all boards related to the church. Betty would often find Harold reading his bible prior to turning in for the night. Harold and Betty would later conform to the Anglican tradition and join Christ Episcopal Church in Marion. After Betty’s death, Harold would continue to attend Christ Episcopal Church or the Marion Baptist Church with his sister Mavis, whom he loved and adored.
He is survived by his sons, Christopher Slemp (Heidi) of Marion, VA, David Robinson-Slemp of Washington D.C.; daughter, Amy Slemp (Toby) of Gothenburg, Sweden; his “little sister,” Mavis Williams (Roger) of Marion, VA; brother, Scottie Slemp (Robin) of Cartersville, GA; sister, Patty Slemp Mauney of Decatur, GA; sisters-in-law, Thelma Mathena (Don) and Nancy Robinson; grandchildren, Thomas, Jacob, Noah, Emma, Austin, Autumn, Alex and Ashlynn; several accomplished nieces, nephews and cousins; god-children, Andrea Boone and Jenny Boone; and numerous friends.
The family is truly grateful to his sister Mavis for her assistance and caring of Harold during the last couple of years. Harold was very close with Mavis and was incredibly proud of both her. The family is also grateful to Mr. Bill Gravely for his assistance in taking care of Harold.
Harold’s family will receive friends Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 3 until 4:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 409 West Main Street, Marion VA. A celebration of Harold’s life will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Emily Edmondson officiating. Military Rites will be rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honors Guard and Francis Marion VFW Post #4667. His interment will be private, next to Betty in Rose Lawn Cemetery with Reverend Dr. Charles Stewart officiating. In keeping with Harold’s spirit and love of Virginia Tech, please feel free to wear your Hokie colors to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family request you make donations to Christ Episcopal Church c/o Treasurer, PO Box 189, Marion VA 24354; or Marion Baptist Church 1258 North Main Street, Marion VA 24354.
To share memories of Harold D. Slemp, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Harold has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion VA 24354.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold D. Slemp, please visit our flower store.
Funeral Services for Harold D. Slemp
Military Rites will be rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honors Guard & Francis Marion VFW Post #4667
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