Martin Simpson Hemphill, age 86 and 4th generation in his family from Carroll County, died Saturday May 2, 2015 at his Paloma Plantation residence where he resided his entire life. Graveside funeral services will be held 1:30PM Monday May 4, 2015 in Evergreen Cemetery. There will be a visitation starting at 11:00Am till 1:00Pm at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home. Mr. Hemphill was a lifelong Episcopalian. The Reverend Peter Gray will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Hemphill was born January 6, 1929 in Greenwood, Mississippi to Julie Adele Barnwell Hemphill and Vassar Dewey Hemphill. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1946. He graduated from Mississippi State University where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Mr. Hemphill served in the United States Army.
Simpson Hemphill, a landowner and antique dealer, was a member of the Carroll County Historical Society. He served as a past Director of Cottonlandia Museum. Mr. Hemphill was a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He played Brother Taylor in "Ode to Billy Joe", Governor's Aide in "Nightmare in Badham County", Brownard in "Final Chapter: Walking Tall", Sherriff in "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" and Stranger in "Barn Burning".
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Vassar Dewey Hemphill, Jr. of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, cousins, godchildren and many friends.
Pallbearers are James R. Smith, Stephen E. B. Smith, Reese Pillow, Steven Pillow, Neill Pillow, McLeod Meek, Matthew G. Hodges and Rickie Robertson. Honorary pallbearers are James Jones, Johnny Walker, Dr. Henry Flautt, Jr, Dr. Edwin M. Meek, Jr., and William R. Ellis, III.