William R. Hemperly, Jr., 92, of Lancaster, passed away on May 2, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late William and Fannie (Wiker) Hemperly. He was married 59 years to the late Betty J. (Harple), before she passed in 2015.
Bill was in the high school trade program at J.P. McCaskey and went to Armstrong Research and Development. After graduating in 1945 from McCaskey, he served in the United States Navy as a Second Seaman during World War II, receiving a Medal of Victory. Bill became a machinist for Armstrong Corp. and was there until his retirement.
Bill was an avid baseball player and was a center fielder for Lititz (won League Pennant in 1954), Smithville, (League Champs ’47 and League Pennant ’48), Armstrong, and Strasburg baseball teams. He was honored into the Lancaster County Baseball Hall of Fame.
He was a long-time member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Bill was a member of Lodge No. 43 Free & Accepted Masons. Bill was a former member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Lodge of Perfection 14, AASR Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, American Legion Post 34, Lodge No. 764 F&AM, and a Scottish Rite Free Mason.
Bill is survived by a brother Mervin, husband of Phyllis Wiker and a sister Yvonne Tshudy. Plus, many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Bill is preceded in death by two sisters; Ruth Sherrard and Delorous Duke and a brother, Jere.
Service will take place at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
Dixie L. (Hall) Smith says
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Bill. Bill and I (Dixie Hall Smith) grew up together on S. Ann Street.
It is sad to see that another Hemperly passed. We were especially close to Delorous and miss her, too. I would like to include condolences from my brother, George E. Hall.
Sincerely,
John & Dixie Smith
Cindy says
Thank you Mr. Hall, Mr. & Mrs. Smith . Uncle Bill will be missed. It is so neat that you stayed friends with Delorous all those years.I know that my mother talked highly of you and Mr. Smith and the wonderful times you shared.
Thank you again, Cindy Duke Rathvon
Maryellen Herren says
To the Family of Bill Hemperly : So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing….we were neighbors of Bill and Betty when we all lived on Yale Ave. They were so nice and kind and great neighbors.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Maryellen and Tom Herren
Cindy says
Thank you for your kind words. I know that they always talked about how lucky they were to have nice neighbors.
Thank you, Cindy Duke Rathvon
Donna says
Please accept my sympathy. I knew Bill and Betty from their dental office. I loved them both and will miss him. He was a wonderful man.
Love,
Donna Hassel
Cindy says
Thank you Donna. He talked highly of the staff and loved going there because everyone was so friendly.
Thank you, Cindy Duke Rathvon
Pastor Kurt Strause says
I was so sorry to see the news of Bill’s death. For many years I enjoyed the visits with Betty and Bill, at their home, then the Mennonite Home to visit Betty, and finally at St. John-Herr. Bill was kind, faithful, of strong opinions, and most of all very loving with his wife Betty. In his final years he found a welcoming home at St. John-Herr where I’m sure he will be missed greatly. Peace to you all and rest in God’s promise of new life.
Cindy says
Thank you so much Pastor Strause. My uncle talked highly of you and loved going to your church. He felt such a bond with you since he knew you for so long. Thank you for not only being his Pastor, but his friend.
Thank you,
Cindy Duke Rathvon
Chyenne voehringer says
I’m so sorry for your family loss he was a really get man I got the pleasure of knowing him bye working in the dietary he was a joy to be around
Cindy says
Thank you for your kind words!
Cindy Duke Rathvon
Beth Field says
I worked at Armstrong R&D Center as an Apprentice in the shops and Bill was a mentor of mine in the machine shop. We called him Archie and he called me Toot. That named followed me for 35 Years at Armstrong and I loved it. RIP. Bill
Cindy says
Thank you Beth. I remember hearing a lot of stories about his days at Armstrong and about “toot” . They were happy memories when he told them. He will be missed.
Thank you,
Cindy Duke Rathvon
Ed Kelley says
Sorry to hear of bills Passing I am so glad that I got in to visit him last fall we spent the Sunday afternoon talking about the old days at Armstrong r&d .. I worked With Bill (Arche) for 25 + years.. mowed his grass for him on Yale Ave . My son would trim his shrubs and mulch while arche and I would sit on lawn chairs and drink Root Beer. Miss Arche for sure
cindy says
Thank you ! My uncle loved sharing his stories about Armstrong. He sure did like that root beer and my children looked forward to having one with him.