Hal Eric Hembree

Hal Eric Hembree, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed away suddenly on July 7, 2019, at the age of 78. Hal was born on April 4, 1941 in Greenfield, Missouri to Andrew Clarence and Faye Lillian (Carmack) Hembree. The family moved west to Oklahoma and Southern California when Hal was an infant. They lived in the south bay area of Los Angeles where his parents worked in World War II defense plants. After the war, the family moved north to Aromas, CA, then back to Southern California, settling in Garden Grove. Hal was a 1959 graduate of Garden Grove High School where he was on the varsity football team. He attended Orange Coast College and Long Beach State, receiving his BA in Industrial Arts in 1966. While in his teens, he met Sandra Plate, and they married on Feb 3, 1962. Together they raised three children, Sheri (Steve) Reynolds, Kyle (Jennifer) Hembree, and Julie (Richard) Chevalier. The family moved from Garden Grove to Mission Viejo in 1971, making Hal and Sandra Mission Viejo residents for some 48 years. Hal started work at the age of 16 as a milkman for Sunny Maid farms, moving on to HV Lawmaster to work as a soil testing engineer. Hal then worked for the City of Irvine in several capacities for 29 years, retiring in 2006. Hal was active and lived life to the fullest. An avowed "river rat", he enjoyed summer trips to the Colorado River, camping, swimming and water skiing. He was the consummate handyman, completing many projects in his and his children's homes, and was a model train enthusiast. He especially enjoyed golf and travel with his wife and friends, taking numerous trips and cruises within the US and abroad. Hal was witty, warm, and hospitable. He had an infectious laugh and a mischievous sense of humor, and was quick to include others in the fun. Hal was a devoted family man and a natural teacher. He was coach or spectator at his kids' baseball and soccer games, a tradition he continued with his grandchildren. He spent many a patient hour circling skiers in his ski boat, encouraging them to "try one more time". Through the years, he was always there to help with homework, pack up the u-haul, fix a sprinkler, or keep an eye on the grandkids. Hal leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Sandra, his brother, Harold Blaine (Melanie) Hembree, his sister Donna (John) Lay, his children, and 8 grandchildren - Ryan, Sean, Aaron, and Justin Chevalier, Nicolas, Jacob and Addison Hembree, and Michaela Reynolds - in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be remembered and missed by many. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Murray Community Center 24932 Veterans Way in Mission Viejo on Friday September 6 th at 6:00 pm. A private inurnment will follow.