Vassar D. Hemphill, Jr. was born November 23, 1924 to Adele Barnwell Hemphill and Vassar D. Hemphill, Sr. in Greenwood, Mississippi. He died July 29, 2016 in Tuscaloosa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Emily, his parents and his brother, Simpson Hemphill. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Phillippines under General McArthur.
After the war, he graduated from the University of Mississippi in management engineering. He was employed at B.F. Goodrich, Dixie Steel and Leopards Interiors. He possessed encyclopedic knowledge about antique cars, old silver and camellias. His passion for car racing, golf, books, dancing, and music remained prominent in his life. Trains, fine food and a party always made him happy. Most of all, he loved Tuscaloosa, the Mississippi Delta and close friends.
Vassar's main contribution to life was his capacity to enjoy life. That legacy lives on through his numerous friends of all ages. Vassar was a lifelong Episcopalian and a member of Christ Church. Always interested in historic preservation, he was a director emeritus of the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and a generous benefactor of the Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion. He was a co-founder of the Friends of WVAL and a longtime member of the Phoenix Club.
Burial will be in the family plot at Evergreen Cemetery in North Carrollton at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Wilson & Knight Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion at 1305 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 or Christ Church Foundation at 605 Lurleen Wallace Blvd. N. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.