Gerald R. Hemphill

Gerald Ray Hemphill, a long time resident of Livonia, MI, died July 29, 2025 in Livonia, MI. Jerry was born in Eupora, MS on June 5, 1940. He was the son of a farmer, the late John Otis and Ruby Ellen (Stewart) Hemphill. In his younger years he helped with farm chores and with his daddy’s store. After High School he joined the US Air Force where he served on the “Jody Drill Team” (a well respected precision drill team), developed an interest in flying and gained some experience with the base flying club. After discharge he moved to California and worked hard to pay for Flight Training. After four years he moved back to Mississippi to take his first flying job in Gulfport, then on to New Orleans, LA; Birmingham, AL; Memphis, TN; Flint, MI; Dayton, OH, and eventually to Detroit flying with Zantop International Airlines. He started as co-pilot and was soon promoted to pilot and within a few years was in command of the DC-8.

Jerry would be the first to tell you he was a Christian, he would most likely ask you if you were a Christian yourself and also tell you to go to church. Jerry’s faith changed his life. The Lord had been working in his life for a long time before a starlight night in 1978 when he came to know Christ personally and testified to “a radical change” in his life. In following years Jerry spent many hours studying his Bible, sharing fellowship and worshipping with his church.

In Detroit Jerry found more than a career, he also met and married his Suzie. He also bought a Honda Gold Wing and drove it all over America with his Suzie on the back.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Sue Ann, his brother John, and sisters Janelle and Libby.

He is survived by his niece Donna (Jim) Barron; grand nephew Daniel (Kayli) Imus; grand nieces: Samantha (Stephen) Saenz and Chelsea (Donnie) Greenleaf; and seven great grand nieces and nephews.

Jerry will be laid to rest in Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI.    A memorial service will be held at Berean Baptist Church, 38303 8 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152 on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

Please share a memory of Jerry by signing his Guestbook.