Ralph William Hemphill Jr.

Ralph William Hemphill Jr was born Sept 30, 1942 in Canton MS. He died March 13, 2022 in Macon GA of multiple myeloma and diabetes. He was preceded in death by parents Edna Lillian Hudnall and Ralph William Hemphill of Jackson MS, siblings Betty Jean Nance, Patricia Ann Harkins, and Donald Wade Hemphill. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Ann Hall Hemphill.

Ralph graduated from Murrah High School 1961, Hines Community College 1963, and the University of Mississippi, B.A. 1965, M.A. 1966, and Ph.D. 1970. At the University, he served as attorney general of the student body, executive editor of the Daily Mississippian, and news director and station manager of campus radio. He was chosen Social Science Student of the Year and Debater of the Year.

Ralph Hemphill came to Georgia College in Milledgeville GA in 1968 to teach political science. He served as assistant dean of Arts and Sciences and chair of the Department of Political and Public Administration. He was selected the college’s first Vice President of Academic Affairs in 1977 and immediately assumed much of the day-to-day administration of the college. With relentless energy for the next twenty-two years, he addressed problems of declining enrollment and remained dedicated to ensuring the survival and growth of Georgia College. He was a pioneer in developing instruments for assessments and evaluation. He was always anticipating future changes. Ralph was named distinguished professor in 1975 and served as acting president in the spring of 1998. Before his retirement in 2002, Ralph enjoyed his return to the classroom for four more years of teaching political theory.

Ralph was grateful for the support he received at Central Georgia Cancer Care, Atrium Health Anderson Infusion Center, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute and Carlyle Place Retirement Community.

Ralph requested no service. His ashes were interred in the family lot at Riverside Cemetery in Macon. Donations may be made to the Georgia College Foundation (Sallstrom–Hemphill Faculty Honors Endowment), Box 96, Milledgeville GA 31061.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, Macon, GA has charge of arrangements.