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

Federalpursuitriflecase 1
Federalpursuitriflecase 1

Federal’s Fit Pursuit Rifle Case Adjusts Its Length to Match Your Setup

Federal’s Fit Pursuit Rifle Case is now shipping with adjustable length, heat-resistant lining and suppressor-ready storage in 40- and 45-inch sizes.

Art and the Sporting Tradition Takes Center Stage at Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College’s Nimrod Education Center hosted Art and the Sporting Tradition, a two-day program exploring wildlife art, decoys and conservation.

Kiersten Sales Wins Main Event Lady Champion Title at 2026 Jack Link’s Cup

Kiersten Sales claims Main Event Lady Champion and three more titles as Team Krieghoff posts multiple podium finishes at 2026 Jack Link’s Cup.

New: Real Avid Smart-Torq and X3 Driver System

Real Avid’s Smart-Torq and X3 Driver System is now shipping in five kits with torque limiters and ratcheting drivers.

Milan Cortina 2026: U.S. Women Close Olympic Biathlon Campaign With 18th Place in 4x6 km Relay

Team USA women take 18th place in biathlon 4x6 km relay at Milan Cortina 2026, closing out their Olympic campaign at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena.

A Year of Classic Battles: 1988 National Matches

Wind and comebacks defined the 1988 National Matches, where Lenardson, Wigger, Weaver and Tubb each claimed titles in dramatic fashion.



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