Franklin Donald Hemeter Sr.

Mr. Franklin Donald Hemeter, Sr., 88, of Waynesboro, MS passed from this life Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at USA Health Providence Hospital in Mobile, AL. He was born in Beaumont, MS on Friday, October 1, 1937, to the late Paul and Bessie Hemeter. He was a member of Waynesboro United Methodist Church.

On February 25, 2015, Mr. Hemeter was recognized by Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves President of the Senate, with Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 579. A concurrent resolution paying tribute to the leadership, longevity and legacy of Wayne General Hospital administrator Franklin Donald Hemeter, Sr., on the occasion of his retirement. Whereas, Franklin Donald Hemeter, Sr., has served as Administrator of Wayne General Hospital from March 1, 1967, through February 28, 2014. His peers and the citizens of Wayne County are honoring the service of this wonderful example for public servants with an outstanding record of achievement and legacy of leadership and dedication to the health care of all citizens in Mississippi; Whereas, Mr. Hemeter's career includes the following: 1959 Graduate of University of Southern Mississippi with a BS degree in Accounting and Business Administration; Certificate in Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham; Has served at least three terms on the Board of Governors of the Mississippi Hospital Association,; Member of the East Central Hospital Council for many years; Has served on the Board of Directors of the Southeast Mississippi Trauma Association; Has served on the Mississippi Trauma Advisory Committee; Past Director of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, 1983 to 1985; Honorary Member of the Waynesboro Rotary Club; Lifetime Member of the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association; Member of the University of Southern Mississippi Eagle Club; Inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame,1996; Received the 2014 Distinguished Service Award from the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce; Received the DAR Certificate of Award for Excellence in Community Service, 1996; Served in the United States Army and the Mississippi National Guard; Member of Waynesboro First United Methodist Church. Whereas, while Administrator at Wayne General Hospital, Mr. Hemeter was responsible for: Construction of Wayne General Hospital, 1977; Expansion of Wayne General Hospital Emergency Department, Laboratory, X-Ray, and waiting areas, areas for dialysis and wellness center; Construction of medical arts building to house 8 physicians, home health, and hospice; Construction of a wellness center/education center, 2013; Construction of a dialysis facility, 2014; Whereas, expanded services at the hospital during his administration includes: Two rural health clinics; Home Health Agency; Hospice; Swing Bed; Ambulance Service: Rehabilitation Department (Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy); Wellness Center; Intensive Care Unit; Expanded ancillary departments. Whereas, Wayne General Hospital first became accredited by the Joint Commission in 2003; and it is the great pride that we recognize and cherish fondly the career and service of this most public-spirited citizen of Wayne County, Mississippi. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate Of The State Of Mississippi, The House Of Representatives Concurring Therein, That we do hereby pay tribute to the leadership, longevity, and legacy of Wayne General Hospital Administrator Franklin Donald Hemeter, Sr., on the occasion of his retirement, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to Mr. Hemeter and his family on this auspicious occasion. Be it further resolved that this resolution be presented to Mr. Hemeter, forwarded to the Board of Supervisors of Wayne County, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps. (A Resolution that was Adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2015).

Mr. Hemeter is preceded in death by his loving wife, Florence A. "Toni" Hemeter; parents, Paul and Bessie Hemeter; son, Franklin Donald Hemeter, Jr. He is survived by his son, James Scott Hemeter (Dana); daughter, Stephanie Hemeter; grandson, Braxton Hemeter, all of Waynesboro, MS; two sisters, Joan Freeman and Barbara Matthews (Ray), all of Beaumont, MS; three Sisters-In-Law, Ginger Gardner (Jimmy), Sherry Hamilton, all of Waynesboro, MS, and Tena Clark (Michelle) of Atlanta, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members; special family and devoted friends, Javier Diaz, Alishia and Michael Teasley and family; and devoted care givers.

Visitation for Mr. Hemeter will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, February 27, 2026, at Freeman Funeral Home, 1305 Skyland Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro, MS with Dr. Steve Smith and Rev. Chuck Frankenfeld will be officiating. Interment will be in Waynesboro Cemetery in Waynesboro, MS. Pallbearers are Greg Freeman, Gary Freeman, Jamie Heathcock, Willie Taylor, Lee Applewhite, Braxton Hemeter, Javier Diaz, and Michael Teasley. Honorary Pallbearers are Ray Matthews, Jimmy Gardner, Billy Bynum, Thomas Malone, Bill Baker, Marty Stadalis, James Odom, Dr. Wulf Hirschfield, and Ray Pipkin.