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Francis "Buddy" Kemp was born September 10, 1940 and raised in Reidsville, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Davidson College in 1962 and an MBA from Harvard. In 1967, he joined NCNB as a credit analyst, beginning a successful and distinguished 22-year career with a company that was to become one of the most prominent banking companies in the country. Rising through the ranks, "Buddy" took over the retail group in 1977; he also served as chairman of VISA USA, and in 1983 became president of National Bank of North Carolina. In 1985, he became president of NCNB Corp. Following NCNBs acquisition of the largest bank in Texas, the failed First Republic Bank Corp., Buddy was named President in 1988. Shortly after moving to Texas, he became ill and in November 1990, at age 50, he passed away.

From the beginning, Buddy was destined for success at NCNB. In 1968, he was one of 20 "up and coming" young bank leaders recruited as a part of NCNB's, "Young Turks", who were charged with the responsibility of influencing the emerging culture of a growing NCNB.

Active in community affairs in North Carolina and Texas, Buddy served as a trustee of his alma mater, Davidson College, and was a member of the Association of Reserve City Bankers. He served as a director of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the Dallas Citizen's Council. In North Carolina, Buddy served as a director of the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry, the Charlotte Uptown Development Corp. and the United Way of Central Carolinas. He was also president/chairman of Spirit Square Arts Center, the Arts and Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the North Carolina Symphony, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the North Carolina Bankers Association.

Buddy's family included his wife Ginger, their two children, Frank and Elizabeth, and a brother David. He was often credited with advancing affirmative action policies, family leave and child-care programs. Friends and colleagues attribute his success to his intelligence and tireless energy. Good humor and warmth complemented his professional skills and engendered strong personal affection and loyalty.

Buddy Kemp touched many people in his brief but full life. It is the hope of NationsBank and Presbyterian Healthcare that the Buddy Kemp Caring House, named in his honor, will enable the spirit and warmth of Francis "Buddy" Kemp to continue to touch the lives of thousands of his fellow citizens faced with the frightening experience of cancer.