Bernard Tomme Hemphill

Mr. Hemphill was born in on September 17, 1926 in San Angelo, Texas. He graduated from Chattanooga Central High School in 1944. After serving his country as a sergeant during WW II in the United States Army, Tom entered Georgia Tech, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at Tech, he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Mr. Hemphill retired from Combustion Engineering in 1997 and was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and church treasurer. He was on the Board of Directors for the Cumberland Youth Foundation (CYF). He was active in the Chattanooga City Swim League and was the “voice” of the CYF Swim Team and the CASL City Swim Meet from 1962 – 1982. He and his wife Beverly were co-owners of the Backstage Dinner Theater for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and LaFaye Hemphill; son, David Hemphill; and brothers, Paul, Bill and Ken Hemphill.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Beverly Hemphill; daughters, Paula (Kermit) McManus of Dalton, GA and Julie (Mike) Thornburg of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Adrian Hemphill and Blair Black and their mother Laura, Kyle and Casey McManus, and Caleb and Noah Thornburg; nephews, Jay Hemphill and Bill Hemphill and their families; and brother-in-law, Jim Patterson.

Memorial donations may be made to Cumberland Youth Foundation, 1505 N. Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM on Tuesday, February 1st at the funeral home.

Funeral Services will be at 1 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home with Dr. Gary Carver officiating and visitation one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post #95.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist. 404 South Moore Road. Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.