CHARLES HENRY HEMPHILL

Charles Henry Hemphill who departed this life September 21, 2026 was born October 5, 1937 in Charlotte, North Carolina to Helena Wright (née

Hemphill) and Joseph Moultrie. Charles spent his early years in Charlotte being raised by his mother and grandmother, Rebecca Hemphill. His

 uncle, James Hemphill, also influenced his young years. Helena moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania leaving him with his grandmother and uncle 

 for about five years. Charles then joined his mother in Philadelphia at the age of eleven. His mother married Richard Wright whom he regarded as 

 his father. After graduating from Murrell Dobbins Technical High School, Charles joined the Air Force where he used his skills learned at Dobbins to 

 repair airplane engines. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he secured a city job installing street signs. Within a few years he

 applied and was accepted to the Philadelphia Fire Department where he served for 25 years (1963 - 1988) as a firefighter until his retirement.

Charles was preceded in death by his mother Helena Wright, Stepfather Richard Wright; siblings Dr. Victor Wright, Gerald Wright, Joan Wright-

Andoh and sister-in-law Judge Karla Wright. Charles is survived by his children George Thompson (Sophia), Stanley Thompson, Jeffery Thompson,

 Eric Thompson, David Thompson, Priscilla Thompson and Charles (Rashell) Hemphill, Jr., step-daughters, JoAnn Thompson, Valora Hawkins and

 Venetta Dillard; sisters Carolyn Wright, Jean Wright Young, brother Steven (Karen) Wright, sister-in-law Stephanie Wright and brother-in-law Jacob

 Andoh; grandchildren Danielle Thompson,  Lauren Thompson, Dominique Thompson, Zierra Thompson, Nazier Thompson, Brionna Wright-Harley

 and McKenzie Hemphill; step-grandchildren Courtney Thompson and Briana Thompson; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews; relatives

 and friends.