Otis Hemphill,Jr.

Rev. Otis Hemphill, Jr. 73,of Charlotte, NC passed away Sunday, December 15, 2019 at his residence. Homegoing service will be held Friday, December 20,2019 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 232 Skyland Ave. Charlotte, NC 28211.Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and the service will follow at 12:00pm. Military Honors and interment will be in the Forest Lawn Cemetery West 4601 Freedom Dr. Charlotte,NC 28214.

March 9,1946                                                                                    December 15,2019

For you formed my inner most parts; you knit me together in my mother’s wombs. (Psalms 139:13)

Reverend Otis Hemphill Jr., affectionately called “Bud”, the twelfth child born to the late Otis Sr. and Emma Dawkins-Hemphill, on March 9, 1946 in Gaffney, SC. He was proceeded in death by his brothers Loren, Harsey Sr, James, and Billy Con Hemphill; Sisters Jessie H. Shippy, Margaret H. Tanner, Emma Classie H. Berry, Lessie H. Phillips, Betty Lou and Vennie Lee Hemphill, and a sister who died at birth. In 1953, the family moved to Charlotte, NC into the Griertown Community now called Grier Heights. Otis’ growing up years with family and friends were filled with all kinds of sport activities: Bowling, Roller Skating, Horseshoes, Football, Basketball, Fishing, and Swimming in the Big Boy Hole. The one that he enjoyed most was Roller Skating which moved into Ice Skating where he was asked to play with the Charlotte Checkers Hockey Team.

Reverend Otis’ early education started at Billingsville Elementary and Junior High school. He graduated from Second Ward High School in 1965. Otis attended Central Piedmont Community College of Charlotte. He studied at Metrolina Theological seminary, an extension of Shaw Divinity school from 1982-1984.

Reverend Otis was baptized in 1958 as a member into Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Dr. D.F. Moore. In August of 1977 he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savor, was called and licensed to preach the gospel in 1982 at Antioch under the late Dr. Preston Pendergrass, and was ordained in 1987 by the Lane Creek Baptist Association. Under the leadership of Pastor Donnie R. Garris, Reverend Otis was given the opportunity to be the coordinator of the Associate Ministers and The Veterans Day Activities. He was a member of the Men of Christ, Bereavement Ministry, Married Couples Ministry, Men’s Day Choir, and the Men’s Sunday School class. In August he was elected as Antioch 2019 Man of the Year. One of his favorite Scriptures is “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105).

Reverend Otis worked for Overnite Transportation Company as a Tire Technician, and retired from United Parcel Service after thirty-eight years of service.

He served in the Untied States Marine Corps and fought in the North and South Vietnam War. The Marine Corps motto is Semper Fidelis (Semper Fi) “Always Faithful.”

A Cherished Legacy

Reverend Otis and Carrie Bridges were married on April 24, 1971, were she was honored to be his wife for forty-eight years. He was the wonderful and happiest dad to three great children, Beverly Demetrica, Everett, and Otis III. Blessed to be the father-in-law of Frank C. McDonald Jr. and Andera B. Hemphill. Proudest granddad of Jocelin Rochelle, Frank C. McDonald III, and Noelle Olivia. Received with an open-heart extended grands and great-grands, Lakia, Derrick, Derrick Jr, Layndan Maple, Shamon Sr., Shamon Jr., and Caiden Barnes. Loving brother to his always loving sister Eloise Hemphill. Brothers-in-law Jack Jr, Stan L. Bridges, and Jerry Bush. Sisters-in-law Mary Baker, Mattie L. Bush, and Lucille Bridges. Pleased to be called Uncle Bud by his many nieces and nephews. Three caring godchildren Lamar and Sandra Stevenson, LaToya and Mark Daniels, Latasha and DeOcta Withers. A host of cousins and friends.

Acknowledgements                                                                                                                        We, the Hemphill Family, would like to thank: Hospice & Palliative Charlotte Religion Care Team, Pastor Donnie R. Garris and the Antioch Church Family, Neighbors and Friends, Veterans, Doctors and Staff, Home Healthcare, Atrium Health, and the many Prayer Warriors!!