Hilton Hemphill's Obituary
Hilton Hemphill passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023, at the age of 81. He was born in Dayton, Texas, on December 19, 1941, to Dr. Lee and Lunelle Hemphill. As a child, he was active at the First Baptist Church of Littlefield, Texas, where his father served as the pastor. Donning his favorite number thirty-three jersey, he played varsity football (making the all-district team) and varsity basketball at Littlefield High School. He was elected President of the high school student council.
After graduating as the Salutatorian of Littlefield High School in 1959, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Armstrong, at freshmen orientation and told his roommate he would marry her after their first date. Hilton graduated magna cum laude from Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. While at HSU, he was the President of the Student Body, ROTC Corps Commander, and a founding member of Tau Alpha Phi.
Upon graduation, Hilton entered Columbia University in New York City, earning a Master of Business Administration and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. After graduation, he married Carolyn Armstong in 1964.
In 1965, Hilton reported for duty with the U.S. Army and was assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he served as a Finance Officer and earned the rank of First Lieutenant. After two years in the Army, Hilton began working on Wall Street as a securities analyst and later Director of Equity Research for the U.S. Trust Company of New York. While in New York, they grew their family with four sons: Harlton, Hayden, Carter, and Clayton.
After twelve years, the Hemphills moved to Houston, Texas, where Hilton became Senior Vice-President of the Bank of the Southwest. In 1983 they moved to Dallas, where he was President of MSecurities. In 1989, Hilton founded Hourglass Capital Management, a registered investment advisor who eventually managed $300 million for individual clients and foundations. While there, he served as President of the Dallas Association of Investment Analysts and spoke at various financial seminars. He remained at Hourglass Capital Management until he retired in 2008.
Hilton was an active member and Chairman of the Deacons at Park Cities Baptist Church. He was a long-time teacher of the Hemphill Class and Legacy Class. He gave the gift of his time to volunteering with Bill Glass Behind the Walls prison ministry, Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, Buckner Children’s Home, and other local Christian organizations. Hilton also served on several Baptist General Convention of Texas boards and committees, including the State Missions Commission, Baptist Standard, and Administrative Committee.
Hilton gave generously and actively served his alma mater, HSU, for two nine-year terms as a Trustee, holding the offices of Board Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Budget Committee Chairman. He received the John J. Keeter Alumni Service Award in 2019 and Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007.
Hilton loved his family, taking Saturday hunting and fishing trips with his sons and grandchildren and cheering for the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys.
Hilton is predeceased by his parents and wife. He is survived by his four sons and their families: Harlton and Wendy Hemphill of Andrews, TX; Hayden and Mishal Hemphill of Texarkana, TX; Clayton and Teresa Hemphill of Atlanta, GA; and Carter Hemphill of Alexandria, VA. Grandchildren: Corban, Aubrey, Caleb, Walker, Rachel, Avery, Mollie, Parker, and Arden. Great-grandchildren: Alaina and Holden. Hilton is survived by his sister, Rosa Lee Prichard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Hilton Hemphill’s honor may be made to Bill Glass Behind the Walls prison ministry (www.https://www.behindthewalls.com/memorial) and the Memory Support Unit at MRC Cornerstone in Texarkana (www.mrcaff.org).
The November 5th Celebration of Life Memorial Service at Park Cities Baptist can be viewed online at the following link: https://pcbcspecialevents.online.church
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