He was born in McMinn County, to the late Joseph Hembree and Nora Mae Allen Hembree Kelly.
He was retired from the Cities Service Company where he worked as a drill operator.
He was a former member of the New Hope Holiness Church in Copperhill, and is a member and attends the Mercy Tabernacle in Benton. He was well known for his dedication in serving his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He was always thoughtful in helping friends, family and especially strangers. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be missed by all.
Survivors include his loving wife, Carolyn Cross Hembree, of the home; son, Scott (Hazel) Hembree of Benton; daughter, Connie (Kenneth) Knotts of Copperhill; siblings: Melvin (Sandy) Hembree of Benton, Truman Hembree of Cleveland, Marie Cochran and Bonnie Vines, both of Cleveland; stepfather, Lee Kelly of Cleveland; special nephew, Larry Cross; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, from the Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill with Bishop John W. McCann and Pastor John Prater officiating.
Music will be by Frank and Sharon East and Peggy Poindexter.
Pallbearers will be Nick Hembree, Rusty Hembree, Micah Thomas, Dakota Knotts, Roger Thompson and Larry Cross.
Interment will follow in the Hembree Family Cemetery.
The family will visit with friends from 6 to 9 this evening and also Friday evening.
Flowers are accepted but memorial contributions may be made to help defray funeral expenses.
Condolences to the family may be sent to www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
