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

F Class Lead 3
F Class Lead 3

NRA Introduces Three New F-Class Competition Categories for 2026

The NRA adds three new F-Class categories—F-Production, F-Precision/Any Rifle and F-Limited—to expand participation and modernize competition without altering traditional divisions.

NRA AR-Tactical Mid-Range Prone Is No Longer Provisional, Has a New Look

After a decade of testing, NRA approves AR-Tactical Mid-Range Prone as a full High Power discipline, adds two rifle categories and simplifies rules.

Review: Ruger RXM Pistol

Ruger’s RXM blends Glock Gen3 compatibility, Magpul modularity and solid range performance at a price aimed squarely at competitors.

John Moses Browning: Test Your Knowledge of an American Firearms Legend

Test your knowledge of John Moses Browning’s life and lasting impact with this fun 10-question quiz on America’s greatest firearms designer.

New: Taurus TX9

Taurus debuts the TX9, a modular, optics-ready 9 mm pistol family billed to deliver duty-grade reliability for everyday carry and competition.

The Quiet Discipline of Breath and Hold in Rifle Shooting

Explore how breath and hold control work together to reduce movement, reveal natural steadiness and guide the shooter to the perfect moment.

Interests



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