Fred Bruce Hemphill, 68, of Sulphur, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. He was born to his late parents, Fred and Rebecca Hemphill on December 25, 1955 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Bruce, a native of Sulphur, had a remarkable journey. He attended Maplewood Elementary and Junior High School, where he actively participated in football and basketball. In 1973, he proudly graduated from Sulphur High, leaving his mark as a star athlete for the Golden Tors, under the guidance of Shannon Suarez. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to LSU, where he excelled as a tight end receiver for the Tigers. In 1977, he graduated from LSU and later served as a graduate assistant coach at the same institution.
Bruce’s career continued in the field of athletics. He held various positions, including coaching and recruiting roles at Louisiana Tech, South Carolina, and North Carolina. In 1990, he joined the athletic department staff at the University of North Carolina, where he spent eight years as an assistant to the Athletic Director and Director of Recruiting.
His journey took him to the University of Wyoming, where he served as an associate AD from 1999 to 2003. In 2003, Bruce returned to North Carolina, assuming the position of AD at Fuquay-Varina High School. Later, in 2013, he was named the AD at McNeese State University, leading the McNeese Athletic department from 2013 to 2020. During his tenure, the Cowboys and Cowgirls secured nine Southland Conference regular-season championships and five SLC tournament titles. Bruce’s impact on the world of sports and education will be remembered by many.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles
He is survived by his children, Captain James Hemphill, Hayden Hemphill, and Jackson Hemphill, all of North Carolina; brother, Alan Hemphill (Pamela) of Sulphur, Louisiana; along with five nieces, Ann Portie (Josh) Jennifer Boullion (Jeromy), Michelle Hemphill, Kelli Dyer, and Kaitlyn Hemphill (Shaydon); along with seven great nieces and nephews.
Bruce is preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Gregory Hemphill.
Visitation will be at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home in Sulphur, Louisiana on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
In lieu of flower, please send donations to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com.
FAMILY
Captain James HemphillSon
Hayden HemphillDaughter
Jackson HemphillSon
Alan Hemphill (Pamela)Brother
Ann Portie (Josh)Niece
Jennifer Boullion (Jeromy)Niece
Michelle HemphillNiece
Kelli DyerNiece
Kaitlyn Hemphill (Shaydon)Niece
Gregory HemphillBrother (deceased)
He is also survived by seven great nieces and nephews.
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