William Melvin Hemphill , known by many as "Bill," peacefully entered into rest Friday afternoon, Aug. 15, 2014, at his residence, where he was surrounded by loved ones. He was 83.
Bill was born May 24, 1931, in Picayune, Miss. He grew up loving sports and music. Bill played football in high school and loved playing the guitar. He also loved having jam sessions with family and friends. Bill played the guitar in a band that played locally around Safford.
Bill received his diploma from McNary High School in 1951, and a few years later, he received an A.A.S. degree from Eastern Arizona College. Bill was also in the United States Army, where he served in Korea and received the honor of a Purple Heart.
After putting in many years of service for Sears as a technician, he retired but continued to repair electronics out of his home. Bill enjoyed putting together models and making electronic repairs. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes. Bill loved his family dearly and would do anything for them. The world has lost a great man, and his precious soul has made the journey to heaven.
Bill was preceded in death by: brothers, Robert and Huey; and sister, Norma. He is survived by: his wife, Aletta Hemphill ; brother, Charlie Hemphill ; son, Jason Hemphill ; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Bill's life will be conducted Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Vining Funeral Home's Chapel of the Valley. Military honors will be conferred by the Gila Valley Veterans Honor Guard.
A memorial luncheon will take place after the celebration of life at the American Legion Post No. 32 in Safford.
Online condolences can be made in Bill's name at viningfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
Bill was born May 24, 1931, in Picayune, Miss. He grew up loving sports and music. Bill played football in high school and loved playing the guitar. He also loved having jam sessions with family and friends. Bill played the guitar in a band that played locally around Safford.
Bill received his diploma from McNary High School in 1951, and a few years later, he received an A.A.S. degree from Eastern Arizona College. Bill was also in the United States Army, where he served in Korea and received the honor of a Purple Heart.
After putting in many years of service for Sears as a technician, he retired but continued to repair electronics out of his home. Bill enjoyed putting together models and making electronic repairs. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes. Bill loved his family dearly and would do anything for them. The world has lost a great man, and his precious soul has made the journey to heaven.
Bill was preceded in death by: brothers, Robert and Huey; and sister, Norma. He is survived by: his wife, Aletta Hemphill ; brother, Charlie Hemphill ; son, Jason Hemphill ; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Bill's life will be conducted Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Vining Funeral Home's Chapel of the Valley. Military honors will be conferred by the Gila Valley Veterans Honor Guard.
A memorial luncheon will take place after the celebration of life at the American Legion Post No. 32 in Safford.
Online condolences can be made in Bill's name at viningfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
William Melvin Hemphill , known by many as "Bill," peacefully entered into rest Friday afternoon, Aug. 15, 2014, at his residence, where he was surrounded by loved ones. He was 83.
Bill was born May 24, 1931, in Picayune, Miss. He grew up loving sports and music. Bill played football in high school and loved playing the guitar. He also loved having jam sessions with family and friends. Bill played the guitar in a band that played locally around Safford.
Bill received his diploma from McNary High School in 1951, and a few years later, he received an A.A.S. degree from Eastern Arizona College. Bill was also in the United States Army, where he served in Korea and received the honor of a Purple Heart.
After putting in many years of service for Sears as a technician, he retired but continued to repair electronics out of his home. Bill enjoyed putting together models and making electronic repairs. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes. Bill loved his family dearly and would do anything for them. The world has lost a great man, and his precious soul has made the journey to heaven.
Bill was preceded in death by: brothers, Robert and Huey; and sister, Norma. He is survived by: his wife, Aletta Hemphill ; brother, Charlie Hemphill ; son, Jason Hemphill ; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Bill's life will be conducted Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Vining Funeral Home's Chapel of the Valley. Military honors will be conferred by the Gila Valley Veterans Honor Guard.
A memorial luncheon will take place after the celebration of life at the American Legion Post No. 32 in Safford.
Online condolences can be made in Bill's name at viningfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
Bill was born May 24, 1931, in Picayune, Miss. He grew up loving sports and music. Bill played football in high school and loved playing the guitar. He also loved having jam sessions with family and friends. Bill played the guitar in a band that played locally around Safford.
Bill received his diploma from McNary High School in 1951, and a few years later, he received an A.A.S. degree from Eastern Arizona College. Bill was also in the United States Army, where he served in Korea and received the honor of a Purple Heart.
After putting in many years of service for Sears as a technician, he retired but continued to repair electronics out of his home. Bill enjoyed putting together models and making electronic repairs. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes. Bill loved his family dearly and would do anything for them. The world has lost a great man, and his precious soul has made the journey to heaven.
Bill was preceded in death by: brothers, Robert and Huey; and sister, Norma. He is survived by: his wife, Aletta Hemphill ; brother, Charlie Hemphill ; son, Jason Hemphill ; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Bill's life will be conducted Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Vining Funeral Home's Chapel of the Valley. Military honors will be conferred by the Gila Valley Veterans Honor Guard.
A memorial luncheon will take place after the celebration of life at the American Legion Post No. 32 in Safford.
Online condolences can be made in Bill's name at viningfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
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