Michael Kent Gemmell

Published 10:12 am Wednesday, November 6, 2024

June 24, 1943 – Nov. 3, 2024

Michael Kent Gemmell, 81, died peacefully in his sleep, in his Natchez home on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Church. Visitation will be held at the church that morning from 10 until 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

Michael was born on June 24, 1943, in San Antonio, TX, the son of Dorothy and Milton Remling.  Lieutenant Remling died in Dec. 1943, navigating a B-24 bomber in an OSS training mission. Mrs. Remling later married Colonel Alfredo Gemmell from Guatemala City, Guatemala, who adopted Michael when he was four years old.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roy Arthur Gemmell, and brother-in-law, Branko Petricevic.

Michael is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine Lord Gemmell; son, Matthew Kennedy Gemmell (Lucia) of Glen Allen, VA; daughter, Kate Gemmell Godfrey (Mark) of Kailua, HI; grandsons, Peyton Gemmell, Jackson Gemmell, Parker Gemmell, Grayson Gemmell, and Luke Godfrey; sisters, Lynda Petricevic and Betsy Eklund (Eric) of Antigua, Guatemala, and brother, David Gemmell (Carletta) of Anchorage, AK; sister-in-law, Barbara Gemmell of Orlando, FL; brother-in-law, Lewis Lord (Dee) of Falls Church, VA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Michael graduated from Jefferson Military College in Washington, MS, as valedictorian in 1962 and attended Millsaps College, graduating in 1966 with a major in political science. At Millsaps, he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. He received a master’s degree in government and world politics from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1968. He was a Certified Association Executive, the highest distinction awarded association executives.

Michael spent 35 years working in Washington, D.C. His first position was as a researcher at National Association of Counties, identifying successful economic development efforts in rural counties. He was later hired as executive director of the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH), a non-profit organization composed of graduate schools of public health throughout the nation.

As an executive director of the ASPH from 1978 to 2001, Michael was instrumental in steering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention toward more preventive health programs and adding prevention to the name of the CDC. Michael was particularly proud of the work of the ASPH to create the Medicare program entitled “Welcome to Medicare.” This program allows for a pre-enrollment physical exam which has proved to save lives and improve the health of seniors.

Michael’s mentor, Dr. D. A. Henderson, Dean of the School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, said at Michael’s retirement: “Mike is a special friend—someone who is inspired, cares and works toward a better world. He was a powerful voice of public health on Capitol Hill where he was greatly respected for his wisdom and integrity.”

Michael was an active volunteer in Alexandria, VA, where he lived for more than thirty years. He was chairman of the United Way of Alexandria, chaired the Alexandria Public Health Commission, served on the Vestry of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the Mayor’s Council on Emergency Medical Services, and coach and President of the Alexandria Youth Soccer Association.

Michael and Elaine retired to Natchez in 2001, residing at Lake St. John for three years before moving to downtown Natchez. In Natchez, Michael was an active volunteer. He was on the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church and chaired the United Way for ten years. He served on the Boards of Trinity Day School, Natchez Stewpot, Natchez Historical Society, Natchez Festival of Music, and Natchez Little Theatre and was a member of the Rotary Club of Natchez and a greeter at Natchez National Historical Park. Michael was particularly proud of his participation in planning the Natchez Tricentennial and helping to gain federal funds for the Jefferson Comprehensive Community Health Center in Natchez.

Michael will be missed as a consistent champion of underdogs, and anyone treated unfairly. He was known for his words of encouragement when times were tough and his public exuberance and congratulations for others’ achievements no matter how small. As he walked through downtown, Michael recognized everyone, knowing their name, and listening to their stories.

Memorials may be sent to Trinity Episcopal Church, Natchez Stewpot, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolence may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.