John Sylvan Hemphill, Jr. was born September 3, 1938 in Biltmore, North Carolina. He spent most of his childhood in Swannanoa, North Carolina, then the family moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan. After graduating from Ypsilanti High School, he joined the United States Navy. After four years of touring Europe and sailing the Mediterranean Sea, John returned to North Carolina where he met and fell in love with Margaret Ann Shore. After four months of dating, they married on July 27, 1960. John started several businesses including Hemphill Tire and Service Center, and retired from American Air Filter as a manager. He was most proud of his last venture in the business world where he joined with his children to start A&A Mini-Storage in Loganville on family land. John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret; Children: John and Debbie Hemphill, Cindy and Keith Ellington; Grandchildren: Kaitlyn Elizabeth Ellington, Kerrigan Nicole Ellington, Dillon and Katlin Hemphill and Stone K. Hemphill. Visitation will be at Lawson Funeral Home on Sunday, October 1 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. Interment Georgia National Cemetery. Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53 Hoschton, Ga. 30548. Lawsonfuneralhome.org. 706-654-0966.
John Hemphill: I didn’t know your dad, but knowing you tells me everything I need to know. You are an amazing man, husband, and father and I’m sure many of those great qualities were a result of your relationship with your dad and mom!
I’m so sorry for your loss! I’m sure there are many things you remember fondly about your dad. Keep them close and recall and share them often. He’ll always be with you in your heart!
I love you guys and pray that your sorrow will soon turn to peace and joy as you remember him and the life he lived.
Love and peace to you and the family…Sharon Peterson