Don Hall

Virgil Hemphill was a sweet soul.  Ever present at our reunions over the years, it was refreshing to visit with him who always a nice word for every classmate...it's just the way he was.  Many of us knew him from sports, yet those who knew of him in other realms readily saw his warm character...it was easy to like and respect Virgil. Even as the 60th Reunion planning was taking shape, his name and his health challenges were ever present in our deliberations...in many ways he was with us, though not present this past September.  Please allow me to share that Bob Reece, Rommie Taylor, Eric Barinholtz and Ken Wideman this past Summer visited Virgil knowing he was in a declining state, but wanted Virgil and his family to know of theirs and the '64 ETHS Class' admiration for his life and concerns for his diminished health...it was a gesture of love.  Farewell good friend and Happy Trails in an eternal life. 

Ruth Gross

Virgil was my seat partner in the East Hall homeroom.  We had many laughs and chats over the four years we sat side by side. As others have already written, he was an exceptional individual who spread happiness around him.

Paula Massey

I too remember him fron East Hall and at least one class. I will be thinking and praying for his family and those who were close to him......

Anne Haswell (Marinello)

Beautiful memories.  He must have been seated near me.  Kids these days would laugh at having seat partners!  All my best to his family and friends.  Peace...   Anne 

Rosanne Bass (Keynan)

Sadness took hold of me when Jay Siegall and others posted a photo a few months ago of a visit to Virgil with him in a wheelchair. They reported his advanced Alzhimer's. I'll always remember him as young. I was a transfer student, new to Skiles in 8th grade. Virgil was special to me, and I was glad to count him as a friend. Can't swear to remember this accurately, but I believe we were in some honors classes together -- and I was utterly delighted when he was elected class (or school?) president. It assured me of my new schoolmates' good judgment. I hope his family and all of his friends will be comforted by happy memories of Virgil.

Sherrie Igoe (Dembrowski)

To Rosanne and all others posting such kind, sweet thoughts of Virgil and, as one said, we should tell people while we are with them how much they mean to us!  I will definitely follow that creed throughout 2025!  Love all you guys!

Renee Sherer (Schleicher)

While I didn't know Virgil as well as many of you, what I remember of him from Skiles was his leadership skills and his modesty -- clearly a testament to his mature character at such a young age.

Melvin "Rommie" Taylor

ETHS we will Fight for you . It is with a heavy heart that I have again lost a close classmate. Virgil and I were in preschool together with Roger Ward. Virgil's mother was our teacher and we had a great class. I was also honored to play football at ETHS and basketball Freshman and sophomore with Virgil. Virgil was always a great teammate! He was talented and gifted and always caring and supportive. Virgil could sing , dance ,play musical instruments and enjoyed  all his classmates. He laughed and joked and loved to 🎉! Virgil was the Best !  You could count on him to do whatever he said he would do! We maintained our friendship throughout the years. He always had a big smile and a gleam in his eye that let you know you could trust him when he gave his word on anything!!!!!!

As we close out this year of 2024 Remember the Best is yet to come !!Yes we have a great class and the classmates are the Best that ETHS has to honor !!!!!

Theodore Downing

Knew Virgil from our Sophomore  year on !!  He was compassionate, authentic and a joy to be around.  Rest in pease my friend !!

Ted Downing

Marty Campbell

One indelible black man given to ETHS.   We are so very blessed.