John Patton Hemphill

John Patton Hemphill • Marion

John, a life-long servant of God, left this world on the morning of Jan 11, 2023. Let us all praise God for bringing this good, patient and humble man into our lives. He leaves a long legacy of kindness, caring and a love for Jesus that has Inspired all who knew him. His service as a deacon, Gideon, and Sunday school teacher will long be remembered.

Upon learning of his disease about a year ago, he simply told his best friend and beloved wife of 60 years, Brenda, that whatever comes next It Is God's will and therein he would place his trust. Over the next year he endured much suffering as he wanted to have as much time as possible with Brenda, his sons, his extended family and his much-loved furry friend - OZZY. John is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is praising God as he reconnects with loved ones who have preceded him. The suffering has ended and joy has begun!

Brenda, as well as sons Kevin and Mark, deserve much praise for the manner in which they cared for John over the past year. John once commented that Brenda was the best nurse imaginable and that the extended family should be proud of her as well as Kevin and Mark. We certainly are!

John, son of Beatrice Rumfelt Phillips and John Rodney Hemphill, Jr., was born in Marion on Sept 17, 1942. He graduated from Marion High where he was a member of the band. He had a long career at Dana Corporation in Morganton (now Sypris Tech). He loved cars (he was a skilled mechanic) and enjoyed participating in flea markets. Johnny was quite the extrovert and loved talking with friends, family and even total strangers. He was well read and intelligent; these traits enabled him to discuss many topics with ease.  He was an equally good listener and always made an effort to understand others.

His survivors include Brenda, son Kevin of Marion, son Mark of Marion, brother Rodney Hemphill of Arizona, sister Marie Anderson of Anderson, SC, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, plus many cousins, special nieces and nephews. 

Services for John will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, 205 Bethel Church Road, Marion, on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. The family will receive friends at 11:00 AM with the service at 12 noon followed by a luncheon in the church fellowship hall. Pastor Jimmy Upton will officiate. Speakers will be Dean Owenby, Holton Buchanan, Gary Bass and Henry Taylor. Beam Funeral Service is assisting the family. There will be no graveside service. Following lunch and fellowship, friends can visit the grave site at McDowell Memorial Park whenever they prefer.

The family wishes to thank all the friends who supported John and Brenda over the past year with special thanks to Pastor Jimmy Upton. His frequent visits and constant encouragement will never be forgotten. He is truly a man of God and an exceptional human being.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church.