Hugh Wayne Hemingway, Jr. – Obituary

by Lynn McMillen
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Hugh Wayne Hemingway, Jr., faithful Christian, loving husband, devoted father, loyal friend, trusted confidante and gifted educator was lifted by the angels to his Heavenly Home on May 21, 2017, his daughter, Lois’s, birthday. Born on July 9, 1919, in Detroit, MI he lived an earthly 97 years, 10 months and 12 days. He leaves behind his three children, Beth, Lois and husband Stephen Ferrell, Pat and wife Kay Hemingway. Five grandchildren, Kara and husband Kevin Capps, Michael and wife Melissa Greene, Jenni and husband Kevin Chism, Alyssa and husband Jason Richardson, Ryan and wife Noor Ferrell. Waiting to greet him are his beautiful bride of 69 years, Annile Chambers Hemingway and his grandson Derek Wayne Hemingway. Twelve great grandchildren to carry on his legacy, Alexis, Aaron, Eli, Ben and Emma Chism, Emily and Lauren Richardson, Laura Annilee and Melinda (Lindy) Capps, Ryder and Cole Greene; and newborn Kyle Stephen Ferrell.

Wayne Hemingway, known as Wayne, Daddy, Dadada, Mr. Hemingway, and to many, as Brother Hemingway, was recognized by all for his dedication to God. He knew the scriptures well and lived by their teachings in both words and his actions. He served the church in many ways: elder, minister, Bible class teacher, and song director.

He benefited thousands by his wise counsel and teaching, giving guidance in spiritual, family, marital, and academic matters, and by simply being a friend. He had a genuine interest in all the students in the schools where he taught and served as administrator, and it seemed he knew some students needed an extra measure of attention, such as those who were disenfranchised in some way. His demeanor was such that others wanted to talk with him. He was straightforward, but always gentle, and he listened.

He was a lifelong learner and a gifted teacher, and very comfortable teaching the Bible, science, and math. Much of his professional career was spent in Christian education. With three schools he assisted with the actual construction: Athens Bible School in Athens, AL, Crowley’s Ridge Academy in Paragould, AR, and Madison County Bible School (now Madison Academy) in Huntsville, AL. At these schools and at Northland Christian School in Houston, he taught math and sciences classes, conducted the a cappella chorus, and served as principal/administrator. During his 20 years in South Orange, NJ, he taught middle grade science in the public school. After retiring from NJ public school and again from Northland Christian School in 1989, he accepted faculty positions at Lone Star College System in Tomball, TX preparing students for GED and teaching Math for many more years before retiring in 2015. He often spoke of his great concern for his adult students who wanted to make a better life for themselves and their families, yet struggled with academic work due to prior preparation. He taught them as best he could, and regardless of how well they performed in his classes, they all knew he cared for them.

His song was “My God and I,” perhaps taught to him and others in the Harding chorus in the early 1940s. He directed his school choruses at many congregations by performing songs from the hymnal. In conversations with him, he said he thought it was his and his choruses’ duty not just to give a concert, but to help improve congregational singing. His thinking was that if people heard good music sung from the hymnal, they would want to sing better and make better hymn selections for worship. Mind you, his choice of music was important. Hymns of prayer and worship filled with meaningful thought and reverence were his choice. He loved a cappella choral music, and he taught many of his students to love it too. He was interested in helping others know the historical background of songs. He especially loved to tell the history of “When Peace Like a River.”

He delighted in taking groups of high school students to hear the likes of The Don Cossack Russian Singers, The Normal Luboff Choir, the Robert Shaw Chorale , and musicals at Lipscomb such as “Oklahoma.” He did his part in helping a motley group of boys and girls in the 1940’s and 1950’s develop a taste for good music, and that taste has influenced spiritually uplifting singing in many congregations of the church to this day.

He loved directing singing during church worship times and was often asked to lead during gospel meetings, as well as sing at weddings and funerals. Perhaps he led singing in almost all congregations in the Athens and Huntsville, AL areas in the 1940s and 1950s. He encouraged high school boys to lead singing during chapel periods, as well as read scripture and give short messages, influencing some to become song leaders, teachers, and preachers.

Even near the end of his life, when in the hospital bed, with periods of delirium, he sang and directed those he ‘saw’ to “Blessed Be the Name,” and he then said a prayer. That his obedient and godly heart would at such a time bring to mind praise to the Creator and Savior, sets a tremendous high mark for all.

Students in his classes were encouraged to learn, not demanded to learn. The atmosphere he created was one of trust and partnership. Many times his wit in and out of the classroom could diffuse conflict and calm the class back to the subject. He instilled in his students the will to succeed, if for no other reason than not to disappoint him. His affection for his students was apparent at all times.

His sense of humor was famous. His witty comments, or his way of correcting one’s grammar, or his way of dodging questions to which he may not know the answer, “I ask the questions here!”

He was a protective husband and father. While not particularly a demonstrative man, there was never any doubt of his devotion and love for his family, which grew even stronger as his grandchildren and great grandchildren came along.

Of special mention is his exceptional Physician, Dr. John Rossi. For over seven years, Dr. Rossi’s dedication to his well being was constant and genuine. Their association grew into a bonded friendship and trust. Wayne’s influence on him was deep and profound just as Dr. Rossi’s friendship was deeply loved by Wayne.

Wayne Hemingway was blessed and a blessing in every way. In him his wife Annile had a loving husband and his children had a devoted father. To him his work was a pleasure. By him his friends were encouraged. With him all acquaintances were comfortable. Through him others saw God. Not only did he set a high standard for how to live, but also how to die. Wayne Hemingway will live within the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy of kindness, goodwill, and noble godliness will be carried forth for generations to come by those who follow those who knew him.

Flowers to beautify the last chance to honor our HWH and his resting place is greatly appreciated: Send to Berryhill Funeral Home, 2305 Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL. However, in lieu of flowers, his wish would be to contribute to: World Christian Broadcasting, 605 Bradley Court, Franklin, TN 37067 or to Madison Academy, 325 Slaughter Road, Madison, AL 35758. May the Good Lord Bless and Keep each of you. The Hemingway Family.

Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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