Clinton Arthur Hemphill

Clinton Arthur Hemphill, April 29, 1953 – January 7, 2026
Clint lived a full, hard-earned, and deeply human life. He shared his life with his wife, Susan, and was the father of Melissa Hemphill-Guajardo, Eric Hemphill, and Heather Hemphill. He was a proud grandfather to Grace, Alex, and Colin Guajardo; Malia, Dominic, Mazik, and Adira Hemphill; and Nev. Being a grandpa was one of Clint’s greatest joys. He made time for his grandchildren no matter what he was doing—roasting “fire dogs” over the fire, setting off fireworks, and launching army men into space with homemade rockets. He took his Gracie on famous walks and took the boys to space camp. He enjoyed his time with them so much. He was always there for them and made sure they knew they were loved.
Clint learned the value of hard work early. As a young boy, he began working alongside his father, Donald, and his brothers, in the family roofing business. After a life-altering fall from a roof, he chose a new direction, attending truck driving school and building a long career as an over-the-road truck driver. He loved the adventure of the open road and the freedom it brought. Lung cancer nearly took his life, but Clint fought through it. After that long battle, he went on to drive for another five years before eventually retiring. He always felt honored to be a driver, playing a part in the industry that kept America moving Susan and Clint were a great team. During those years on the road, Clint drove while Susan documented their travels through photography, turning long miles into shared memories of their adventures together.
Clint was also a veteran of the United States Navy. His service was something that remained a point of pride throughout his life.
Clint lived life to its fullest. His brushes with death changed how he lived—he didn’t let opportunities pass him by. He was full of ideas, plans, and possibilities, always looking ahead to what could be done next. Clint was an honest man. He lived wide open, and because of that, he was easy to trust. People knew where they stood with him, and they valued him for it.
A lifelong musician, singer, songwriter, and amazing guitarist, Clint loved music so much, it was one of the great joys of his life. He founded and led many bands, shaping their sound and direction from the start. He began his music career in the 1970s by forming Sailin’ in Hawaii, went on to lead Magnum throughout the South in the late 1970s, and later joined Black Tie in the Midwest during the 1980s. With Clint as lead singer, Black Tie opened for several major bands, including Survivor, The Romantics, Joan Jett and Black Oak Arkansas.  
Clint had a commanding presence and natural charisma—people were drawn to him, and everyone wanted to know him. Through his music, his songwriting, and the friendships formed along the way, Clint changed many lives and left a lasting impression wherever he went. Music was how he connected to people and to life itself. He met his wife, Susan, in 1999 when she auditioned to be the drummer in his band. When she first auditioned, she showed up with three drumsticks in her back pocket—just in case she dropped one. Clint knew she would never drop one and she never did. In his final months, Susan cared for Clint with unwavering devotion, strength, and grace. Her steady presence and tireless care carried him through his last days. Clint passed peacefully, with his wife, and his daughter, Melissa, by his side.

Clint was preceded in death by his father, Donald Rodrick Hemphill; his mother, Grace Stella Morss; and his brothers Steven, Larry “Sam”, Ronald “Red”, and Paul.

He lived life his own way—loud when it mattered, steady when it counted, and loved by people near and far.

Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Clinton Arthur Hemphill.