Thomas L. Hemphill

Thomas Lowery Hemphill was born July 1, 1947, and passed over into Glory on April 19, 2025.

In between those two moments in time, he lived a full and rewarding life.

Tommy was the oldest son of Louis T. and Roberta Rose Russell Hemphill of Florence, MS. He had one brother, Wallace C. Hemphill who predeceased him.

Tommy graduated from Florence High School in 1966 and later that same year volunteered to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Navy. Upon returning from active duty, he worked with his father’s company, Hemphill Electric, as an electrician. He continued in the naval reserves for another 8 years. He was very proud of his service and encouraged all his children and grandchildren to consider military career.

In 1974 he married his favorite person in the whole world, Margaret Moak from McComb, MS. They were married for 51 years and together they raised 3 children: K’Anna Hemphill Baucom (husband Brian), Thomas David (Dave) Hemphill (wife Cassie) and Justin Luke Hemphill (wife Jaemi). Tommy was very proud of his children because in his words, “They love Jesus, they can read, they can hunt & fish and they can throw a ball! What more could we possibly want!”

Tommy also adored his grandchildren – all 10 of them. From the oldest to the youngest they are Roman Myers (Whitney), Isabella Luebbers, Kahl Hemphill, Ethan Hemphill, Jackson Hemphill, Tanner Hemphill, Aaden Hemphill, Bren Baucom, Ella Rose Baucom and Asher Baucom. He never tired of telling them what to do and of course, he always thought he knew what was best.

Tommy loved the outdoors. Deer and turkey hunting were his favorites. He took great satisfaction in knowing he provided food for his family by harvesting wild game and growing a garden.

In the early 90’s, Tommy found a hidden passion for missions when he began traveling with the Cleary Baptist Church brotherhood group to Kentucky each summer to build homes for those in need. Even though the work was hard, and the hours were long, he looked forward to this trip every year. He cherished the camaraderie with his friends, but he was driven to continue because of the great need he saw for the people of western Kentucky.

Tommy was a man of few words, but he could always make his point – sometimes with only a glance or a nod.

Along with his wife, children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren (Ridge and Wilder Myers), Tommy is survived by everyone’s favorite, Aunt Nell Hemphill. He also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Laura Moak and Becky Hemphill, 2 nieces, Rachel Moak Graves (Stephen) and Melissa Hemphill Redditt (Ben) and 1 nephew, Brad Sterling (Idalia).