Dearl Leon Hemphill

Dearl Leon Hemphill went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 21, 2024 after a lengthy battle with Parkinsons/Lewy Body dementia, which my husband handled with grace and humility. In Dearl’s closing days he was surrounded by his loved ones. Dearl was born on December 7, 1950 in Philadelphia, Mississippi to Dearl Leon Hemphill II and Kate Dennis Hemphill, just a short time after his father was killed in action in North Korea. Psalm 68:5 promises God will be a Father to the fatherless and this was evident throughout his life. Growing up, Dearl lived in Pensacola, the Canal Zone, where he became fluent in Spanish, and at Camp LeJuene, also as a child where the water contamination was the likely source of his illness. He was an Eagle Scout and obtained both an undergraduate and graduate degree at FSU where we met. While there he was a graduate assistant and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity. After a short time in the financial industry, he was recruited by Merrill Lynch as part of the original office staff, located in what was then the Lewis State Bank building downtown. Dearl remained there for 38 years encompassing the roles of Investment Advisor, 1st Vice-President and Managing Director. His clients were often like family and he was involved in many facets of their lives. While at Merrill, he consistently received many accolades and was well known and respected company wide. Dearl was a member of the first class of Leadership Tallahassee and an original member of the Governors Club. He was active in Ducks Unlimited and Lake Iamonia DU, and was a member of Thomasville Road Baptist Church. Dearl retired in 2012 and when his illness manifested a few years later he became a regular at Sweat Therapy Fitness, participating in “Rock Steady Boxing”, a national program for the Parkinson’s community. Kim Bibeau and staff were an integral part of managing his care. Thanks also to Dr. Tara Kimbason for her expertise and compassion. My husband was a man of Godly character and enjoyed being with people from all walks of life. Dearl knew from whence his help came; it came from the Lord and Jesus was the author and finisher of his faith. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Deidre Wood Hemphill, and children Ashley Hemphill, Tim O’Brien, Laura (Edward) Screven, Bethany (Logan) Webb, Grace (Dylan) Albergo, and Dearl (Katie) Hemphill, Jr. Also, twelve grandchildren and an additional one due in the coming year. His sister Diane (Steve) White and brother in law Marshall (Cynthia) Wood. The funeral service will be at Bevis Funeral Home on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 11am with visitation one hour preceding the service. A private family graveside service is planned. Thanks to pastor Curtis Clark for his kindness in officiating. Thanks also to the best caregivers; Elizabeth, Karina, Mary, Miriam, and Sherrethia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Sweat Therapy Fitness at 1122 Thomasville Road, Unit 5, Tallahassee, Florida 32303. (850) 222 - 1781. Lastly, thank you to my dearest husband, Dad and Papa for making a wonderful and exciting life for us, your family. We will see you again. Susie Mozoic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevis fh.com 850-385-2193)

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Dearl Leon Hemphill

December 7, 1950 - June 21, 2024