Norton Richard Hempstead Jr.

Richard was born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 19, 1938, to Norton and Pauline Hempstead. He is a graduate of Woodlawn High School and the University of Alabama. He married Alma Josephine Strickland on September 18, 1960, at Woodlawn Baptist Church.

Richard is preceded in death by his sister, Wanda Wilkins, his brother, Jim Hempstead and his stillborn daughter, Claire.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Jo, of 65 years, his daughter Meg Middaugh (Brad), daughter Elizabeth Young (Bram), his son Rick Hempstead (Amy), and seven grandchildren, Evan (Adrienne), Carter (Lauren), Savannah, Maggie, Brigham, Luke and Perri.

Richard was a man of strong faith. As an active church member he served in leadership roles, participated in construction mission trips, mentored students in an after-school program in the Birmingham schools and supported True Vine a growing inner-city ministry.

After a lengthy career in the manufacturing and snack food industries, Richard retired from Golden Flake Snack Foods in 2003. In retirement he became a docent at Birmingham Museum of Art, a supporter of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and an active Rotarian. However, nothing brought more joy to Richard than keeping up with and sharing his grandchildren’s lives. He was proud of each of them and loved to talk about their accomplishments.

In spring 2018, he and Jo moved from Birmingham further south to Fort Myers, Florida to be closer to family.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be at Cypress Lake United Methodist Church, located at 8570 Cypress Lake Dr, Fort Myers, Florida, 33919, December 19, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Burial will be in March of 2026 at Forest Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given in loving memory of Richard. Please consider supporting True Vine Birmingham Ministries.

Contributions may be sent to:

Brookwood Baptist Church

Attn: Ashley Mince

3449 Overton Road

Birmingham, AL 35223

Please specify: “True Vine Ministries – Richard Hempstead”

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23