Charles Joseph Hemphill

Charles Joseph Hemphill

3-10-47 to 8-1-2016

Funeral Services: Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home

Viewing: Friday, August 5, 2016, 6 to 8 p.m.

Funeral: Saturday, August 6, 2016, 10 a.m.

Interment immediately following at:

Lakeview Cemetery, 2343 Lake Road, Lavon, TX 75166

Born in 1947, Charles Hemphill grew up in Southern California’s iconic, “golden era.” A military brat, young Charles developed passions for military history, aviation and sports, while his character was tempered by the sorrow of losing his mother to cancer

During college, Charles fell in love and married his wife, Della, earned his degree in psychology and played on the legendary 66-67 San Diego State University Football squad, coached by John Madden and Joe Gibbs. After college, Charles started a family and put his psychology degree to good use with the Navy--receiving a top-secret clearance to work on classified projects related to problems that arise with the man-machine interface between soldiers and their weapons systems.

When the Navy projects reached their conclusion, Charles pursued a career in the criminal justice system as a probation officer in San Diego County. Charles describes this experience as taking the lid off of the sewer and climbing in. After 10 years in criminal justice, Charles felt he could effect greater positive change by establishing drug and alcohol intervention programs that are still saving lives today.

One of Charlie’s greatest challenges in life occurred when a medication prescribed to lower cholesterol had unintended consequences. It destroyed the nerves in his legs and feet. Undaunted by the grim prognosis of not walking for the rest of his life, Charlie drew on his faith, courage and heart to again triumph over adversity.

In November 2014, Charlie’s heart stopped while at his part-time job at B&B Theatres in Wylie. Miracles of combined prayer and medicine were in evidence, and Charles survived against all odds.

Charlie maintained a very active lifestyle. In his retirement, he spent 4 hours a day writing and has published several books. He also enjoyed the company of his wife, children, grandchildren, “Fol” group at Northplace Church and Whataburger Sundays with prime-timer friends.

Preceded in death by his beloved Grandmother Mildred Breedlove; Mother and WWII Woman Marine, Dorothy Rosemary Simmons Hemphill; Father and career Marine, Master Sgt. Charles Hemphill Sr., Charles is survived by his wife of 50 years, Della Hargis Hemphill; sons Charles Robert (wife Kimberly) Watson-Hemphill, Eric (wife Amy) Hemphill, Mark Hemphill and Mike Hemphill. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Hettinga (husband John), brother Richard Paul (wife Geri) Hemphill and Uncles Richard Breedlove (wife Peggy) and Harry Breedlove (wife Linde). He has 10 living bonus siblings-in-law, who will also miss him.

Things which brought Charlie so much joy in his mature age include:

Grandchildren: Jackie, Ian, Riley, Jenna and Nick.
Greeting on Saturday nights at Northplace Church.
Fellowship with prime-timer believers at Northplace Church.
Pastor Bear's music and Pastor Bryan Garrett's sermons at Northplace Church.
He has published four books and written 12 screenplays.
Writers Group in Sachse and Wylie.
Chatting with regulars and co-workers at B&B Theatres in Wylie.
He loved movies.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you support:

Royal Family Kids Camp at Northplace Church, 2800 Pleasant Valley Rd., Sachse, TX 75048 (a service to the broken and forgotten);
Humane Society of Dallas County; a non-kill shelter, 2719 Manor Rd., Dallas, TX 75235
Impact India 360; an orphanage in India's scholarship program. c/o 13416 Meridian Park Blvd., Austin, TX 78739 or a charity of your choice.