Larry Lee Hemphill, 79, of Tucson, AZ, passed away on May 18, 2026, at the Tucson VA Medical Center.

Larry Lee Hemphill was born on February 26, 1947, in Joplin, MO, to Joe Lee Hemphill and Annette New. He grew up in Joplin before relocating to Los Angeles, CA. He eventually settled in Lompoc, CA.

He joined the United States Navy and was stationed on the USS Kearsarge during the Vietnam War. He considered it a great honor to serve his Country.

He had four Children. Michael Joe Hemphill, born to Patricia Maxine Snider; Joe Lee Hemphill, born to Dawn Johnston; Kristy Ann Hemphill, born to Mellis DeWeese, and Jack Lee Hemphill, born to Mary Lopez.

Larry Lee Hemphill owned many businesses throughout his life: Restaurants, Furniture stores, a magazine, a Music Store, several Nightclubs, and more. He was known by all for his charismatic personality, optimistic outlook, and strong work ethic.

He enjoyed playing the piano, guitar, and writing original music. His passion for music and work was surpassed only by his undying devotion to his Family.

Larry Lee Hemphill was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Annette Hemphill, his Brother, Joe Leroy Hemphill, and his Cousin, Craig Hemphill.

He is survived by: his Wife, Candida Hemphill, his children, Michael Joe Hemphill, Joe Lee Hemphill, Kristy Ann Hemphill, and Jack Lee Hemphill, as well as his Grandchildren, Kelsey Leigh Leech, Michael Jacob Mariotti, Mariah Leann Ernandes, Adrian Vicente Ernandes, Alfonso Aguirre III, Alexzander Joseph Hemphill, Tristan Drake Hemphill, Edward Lee Hemphill, and his Great-Grandchildren, London Marie Leech, Nolan Bishop Leech, Paige James Arellanes-Palacios, and Kayce Oliver Palacios. He also had many, many Step-Children whom he loved and embraced as his own.

Larry Lee Hemphill was a man full of passion, conviction, optimism, and deep love for his family. He lived life to the fullest. He took great pride in the Hemphill name and passed that on to his children. We will continue to honor his legacy by living out his favorite quote: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”