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

NRA ARC Firststeps Video 1
NRA ARC Firststeps Video 1

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge: Kyle Lamb’s Three Tips Before Your First Match

Kyle Lamb opens a new NRA America’s Rifle Challenge video series with advice on training courses, shooting logs and the friendships that keep people coming back to the range.

West Virginia Claims Fourth Straight GARC Championship

WVU wins fourth consecutive GARC Championship with 4740 aggregate, edging Kentucky and Navy at Army West Point on Feb. 28–Mar. 1.

All About The 2026 USPSA Nationals

USPSA splits the 2026 Nationals into Factory Gun and Race Gun events, detailing divisions, venues, slot allocation and registration dates.

How To Qualify For IPSC Events

USPSA members can represent the U.S. at IPSC World Shoot events through a merit-based qualification process using designated qualifier matches.

WVU Eyes Fourth Straight Title as GARC Championship Returns to West Point

The 2026 GARC Championship features No. 1 Kentucky, No. 4 WVU and four more ranked teams competing at Army West Point on February 28–March 1.

Gunsmith Who Apprenticed With Beretta in 1979 Now Runs Its Top Premium Dealer Worldwide

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing is again named the world’s top Beretta Premium Dealer, a distinction rooted in four decades of factory-trained expertise.



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