Legends: Philip Hemphill 1952-2023

A 30-year Mississippi Highway Patrol veteran, Philip Hemphill was a 10-time NPSC champion and two-time NRA Precision Pistol champion.

by
posted on October 13, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Phil Jr
Philip Hemphill won his first NRA National Pistol Championship in 2011. He is also a 10-time NRA National Police Champion.
Photo by John Rickards

This week, the competitive pistol shooting community was forced to say goodbye to one of its best. Philip Wayne Hemphill, age 71, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023, at his home in Meridian, Mississippi.

Hemphill, who retired as Captain with the Mississippi Highway Patrol in 2011 after a 30-year career, was a 10-time NRA NPSC Champion and two-time NRA Precision Pistol Champion.

Philip Hemphill
Philip Hemphill was the 2023 NRA Precision Pistol Police Champion at Camp Atterbury this year. He is pictured above receiving an award plaque from NRA Second Vice President David Coy.

 

Along with many others, 12-time NRA Precision Pistol Champion Brian Zins expressed his condolences on social media.

“I just learned that we lost a great great man and competitive shooter today. Philip Hemphill. And I emphasize great man,” Zins said. “One of the nicest and staunchest competitors I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and competing with. Never against. Deepest thoughts and sympathy to his family and bride. RIP Phil.”

Funeral services for Philip Hemphill will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 16, at Cross Mountain Ministries in Porterville, Mississippi. (Address is 6215 Porterville Townsend Rd, Porterville, Miss. 39352.) The interment will follow at Rials Creek Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. in Mendenhall, Mississippi. (Address is 185 Rials Rd, Mendenhall, Miss. 39114.)

Hemphill will be respectfully missed by many.

Philip Hemphill

Legends: Philip Hemphill
February 13, 1952 – October 12, 2023

Latest

Usa Claytargetleague Sept2026 1
Usa Claytargetleague Sept2026 1

Why More Schools Are Adding a Fall Clay Target Season

The USA Clay Target League opened its fall season with 16,913 student-athletes on 1,163 teams, including 32 schools new to the League.

Remington’s Shoot to Cure Tops $70,000 for Arkansas Kids

Remington’s fifth Shoot to Cure drew 150 shooters and raised nearly $15,000 for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, pushing its five-year total past $70,000.

Océanne Muller Goes Perfect as WVU Opens Bid for Third Straight Title

Océanne Muller's perfect 600 in air rifle and a one-center tiebreak led West Virginia past Mount Aloysius 4737-4587 in the season opener.

Fanizzi Runs Away With His Fifth Diamond Classic Title

Joseph Fanizzi wins fifth Diamond Classic HOA title with a 186 score as Team Beretta shooters collected podium finishes across the program.

Records Fall, Legends Rise: 1997 National Matches

At the 1997 National Matches, Lones Wigger and David Tubb set title marks as Marines claimed back-to-back pistol crowns.

2026-27 NCAA Rifle Preview: Can Anyone Stop West Virginia?

West Virginia opens its bid for a third straight NCAA rifle title as TCU, Ole Miss, Kentucky and Nebraska give chase.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.