Arthur Ernst HEMPEL

HEMPEL, Arthur Ernst Jr.

passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Saturday, December 8, 2018. Art was born in St. Petersburg, Florida March 2, 1935. He attended Northward and North Shore Elementary schools, Mirror Lake Junior High School and St. Petersburg High School. He graduated in 1953 with a basketball scholarship to Florida State University. At FSU, he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and graduated in 1957 with a BS in Management and Finance. He served in the United States Air Force Reserve for six years.

Art married his high school sweetheart, Rosemary Stephenson in 1958. He was President of Ace Outdoor Advertising, National Director of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Florida, and Chairman of the City of St. Petersburg Planning & Zoning Board during his career.

Art was a civic minded leader who contributed his time to many organizations throughout his life. Among some positions held were Director of Florida Chamber of Commerce, Board of Governors of The Pinellas Suncoast Area Chamber of Commerce, President of St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, President of the Suncoasters, Director of the United Way of Pinellas, Pinellas County Committee of 100, and The Rotary Club. During the 1990's he served as Chairman of the Pinellas County Sports Authority, where he was instrumental in bringing major league baseball to St. Petersburg.

Art enjoyed spending time with family and on weekends traveling to Tallahassee to watch his beloved Seminoles play. He spent many years as a recruiter for the FSU football program. He was President of the FSU National Alumni Association, a FSU Golden Chief, and a member of the FSU Foundation's Presidents Club. His social interest included President of the Squires Club, President of the Quarterback Club, the St. Petersburg Bat Boys, The Pollywogs, and the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

He is predeceased by his father, Arthur E. Hempel Sr. and mother, Aleta Knight Hempel. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosemary; his three daughters, Debra Hempel Burns (Steve), Diane Hempel Wannamaker, Denise Hempel Darr (Dale); his grandchildren, Hannah Baldwin Wannamaker, Sadie Knight Wannamaker and Daulton Arthur Darr. He was deeply loved and respected, and will be missed by all who knew him.

There will be a Celebration of Life Sunday, December 30, from 3-5 pm at one of Art's favorite spots, Harvey's 4th Street Grill. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Seminole Boosters, designated to the Phi Delta Theta Football Scholarship Fund. Checks may be mailed to PO Box 1353, Tallahassee, FL 32302 or may be made online at one.fsu.edu/boosters/athletic-scholarships.