Barbourville, Ky. – Rufus Hemphill, 79, passed away peacefully, November 4, 2020. Rufus was the son of Joe Hemphill and Pearl Sizemore Hemphill, joyfully born to them on February 8, 1941 in Bimble, Kentucky.
Once a young man, Rufus ventured away from his Kentucky roots settling down in Detroit, Michigan where he worked many years for the Ford Motor Company. Rufus will forever be remembered as kind, generous and gentle. He was always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. Rufus cherished spending time with his family, especially his wife Mary, whom he shared a sweet relationship with for 25 years. Together, they created a loving home in the community of Paint Hill. In his spare time, Rufus enjoyed the outdoors, tending to his apple trees and growing vegetables. Rufus also loved going to church and was a devoted member of the Paint Hill Baptist Church throughout his life.
In addition to his parents, Joe Hemphill and Pearl Sizemore Hemphill, Rufus was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ethe Powell Hemphill and eight dear siblings; brothers: Reverend Estill Hemphill, Tipton Hemphill, Lawrence Hemphill, Harold Hemphill, Floyd Hemphill, Charles Hemphill and sisters: Marie Smith and Florence Hensley.
Left behind to mourn Rufus’s passing is his dear daughter, Wanda Milwee (Floyd); stepdaughter’s; Sherrie Grant (Rick) and Sandy Mills (Mark); stepson Billy Engle (Mary) and siblings; Cleda Robinson and Joe Hemphill. One granddaughter, Savannah Milwee, and five step grandchildren: Ryan Mills, Tyler Mills, Amy Grant, Ashley Grant, and Jason Engle will also miss Rufus greatly.
A Graveside Service is planned for Rufus on Monday, November 9, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Sizemore Cemetery in Bimble, Kentucky. Reverend Jim Elliott will officiate. Pallbearers will be cherished family members and friends. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Daryl Wikens and the staff of Beechtree Manor (Jellico, Tennessee). Family and friends may gather at Hopper Funeral Home at 1:30 PM on the day of the service to travel in procession to the cemetery.
The Hopper Family, Victoria and Sally Hopper, in addition to the staff of Hopper Funeral Home express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Rufus Hemphill.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Mr. Rufus Hemphill.
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