Gary Alan Hemphill

Gary Alan Hemphill, 71, of Monroe, LA, died December 13, 2020 at Louisiana Extended Care Hospital in West Monroe, LA after an extended illness.

Private family services will be held later due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Gary was born into a military family and traveled the globe, living in beautiful and exotic places which left a lifelong impression. He volunteered into the United States Air Force after graduating from high school and served four years as a fighter jet mechanic during the Vietnam Era. After service, he used the GI bill to return to Northeast LA University, where he received his BS Degree and a Master of Education. After graduating, he moved to Delta State University where he served for almost two decades as a professor in the Aviation department and, for a time, as the Department Head of Aviation. During his tenure there, Gary also served as the Executive Director of NIFA (National Intercollegiate Flying Association), a position he continued to hold for many years. After retiring, Gary returned to Monroe, Louisiana, continuing his service to NIFA and family, traveling the country to coordinate and execute numerous Safecons for NIFA.

This gentle giant of a man was preceded in death by his parents, Lt. Col. William Tilmon and Yvonne Ramsey Hemphill, and sister, Gloria H. Daack.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Medley, as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorials may be made to NIFA.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com