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

Winch SLR ARTV 4
Winch SLR ARTV 4

Inside The Making Of Winchester’s Supreme Long Range Ammo

New for 2026, Winchester’s Supreme Long Range ammunition pairs the in-house BC Max bullet with match-grade components for extreme-distance accuracy and terminal performance.

Smith & Wesson’s America 250 Model 1854 Honors 1776 and Its Own Origin Story

Smith & Wesson commemorates the semiquincentennial with America 250 Model 1854 lever actions in .44 Magnum and .45-70 Government, engraved and suppressor-ready.

New: Swarovski Optik AT Endura 21-65X 75 mm Spotting Scope

Swarovski Optik’s new AT Endura 21-65X 75 mm spotting scope pairs a 75 mm objective lens with a 53.3-ounce build at a $2,899 price.

Bulletproofing Stages: A USPSA Range Officer’s Guide to Squad Management

Jay Worden explains how Range Officers can run a USPSA squad efficiently, covering roll call, stage briefings, scoring procedures and fair enforcement of safety rules.

Daisy Marks America’s 250th With Limited-Edition Red Ryders

Daisy commemorates America’s 250th anniversary with Liberty and Freedom Red Ryder carbines, 250 apiece, plus a revolver limited to 1,776 units.

Walker’s Shrinks Its Razor Muffs Down to Youth Size

Walker’s youth-sized Razor Junior electronic muffs pair a 23 dB NRR with 0.02-second sound-activated compression in a package built for smaller heads.



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