Wayne was born in Aliceville, Alabama, on April 11, 1939, to Samuel Nathan Hemphill and Florence Stafford Hemphill. He has been a resident of Starkville for 74 years, moving here with his family when he was three years old. Wayne is a lifetime member of Calvary Baptist Church for it was there, at age 9, that he gave his heart to Jesus. As an adult, he answered the call of his country by serving for 42 years in the United States Army retiring at the rank of Sergeant Major. During his career, Wayne was awarded numerous service awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. He was an active Army National Guard recruiter for 21 years for which he earned the Master Recruiter Badge. For another 10 years, he worked with the Family Assistance Center in Starkville to help care for the families of soldiers while they were deployed. He served his community for numerous years in countless ways. One example is that he served as an advisory member of the Greater Starkville Developmental Partnership Military Affairs Committee for the city of Starkville for many years providing valuable knowledge and experience. He served as Commander of American Legion Post #13 for eight years. Wayne was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and garden and he loved sharing those activities with others; especially his family. He lived his life following the motto of “God, Family, and Country” all of which he loved dearly.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elaine; and his son, Mike Hemphill and wife, Katie, all of Starkville. One of his greatest joys was being “Pop” to his two grandsons, Jacob and Nate Hemphill. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Virginia Massey of Louisville; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, David Hemphill; his parents; a brother, Robert Hemphill; and by three sisters Jewel Johnson, Leola Coleman, and Bobbie Simpson.
Serving as pallbearers are Justin Lovern, Robert Lovern, Drew Massey, Josh Massey, Cody Prewitt, and Seth Prewitt. Honorary pallbearers are members of the American Legion Post #13. Memorials may be given to the Calvary Baptist Church Food Closet, 405 N. Jackson Street, Starkville, MS 39759 or to the charity of your choice.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS, with local facilities being provided by Welch Funeral Home, 201 W. Lampkin Street, Starkville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
