Stephen Patrick Hemphill “Smokie”, 59, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 in Morgan City, Louisiana. He was born to Jimmie and Marie Hemphill in Columbus, Ohio on February 18, 1962. Smokie became a Merchant Seaman, and made his way to Mobile, Alabama, where he married and built a life with his wife of over thirty-three years, JoAnn Shelkofsky Hemphill. Together they raised two children, Robert Shelkofsky and Sara Hemphill.
Smokie was an avid Saints fan, Alabama football fan – and when they weren’t playing Alabama – and LSU football fan. He loved the water, and loved photographing the sunsets and horizons that he so often saw when offshore with work. Smokie traveled, visiting Africa, South America, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and other lands. He had a love for music. Smokie used music to communicate and convey his feelings, and take solace in the melodies and lyrics. He didn’t care what genre of music he was listening to, he could always find something that appealed to him. Smokie was above all else a family man. He felt as though if he worked hard to support his family, and loved them hard enough, his life was complete. Smokie was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, who was loved and will be greatly missed.
Smokie was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie Dee Hemphill and Marie Highsmith Hemphill; as well as his best-friend and soul-brother, Mark Cartee.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, JoAnn Shelkofsky Hemphill; son, Robert Shelkofsky; daughter, Sara Hemphill; two precious granddaughters, Maria Faith and Layla Nor; sister, Elizabeth “Lisa” Hemphill Devaney (Benny); his faithful dog, Bella; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family and friends.
Visitation for Smokie will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile. The family requests that guests come dressed comfortably – as Smokie would.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18