M.L. "Ken" Hembree

M. L. “Ken” Hembree of Weaverville, NC left this world for his heavenly home on October 12, 2022. Ken was born in Mars Hill, NC on October 18, 1944 to Bill and Blanche Hembree. He lived an incredible life with his brothers and sisters, his wife, his daughters, numerous other family members, and countless friends who all loved and adored him. He brought his own special kind of expertise to this world, and showed love, joy, and happiness to so many on his journey.

Ken served his country and was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, along with other honorable citations. Ken spent his life helping others and contributing to the community. After his return from Vietnam, he worked as an Officer for Mars Hill Police Department. Later he moved to Buncombe County, and was a Patrol Officer and a member of the Tactical Team. He then moved into Investigations, and eventually became a Narcotics Investigator. He was assigned to the Interagency Narcotics Squad working with local, state, and federal organizations. Ken loved high school and college sports, had his favorite teams, and followed their accomplishments. He umpired and refereed high school and college sports, and was a member of the WNCOA. He was active in coaching Little League Baseball, and played softball and basketball throughout his life. He was a member of VFW and Optimist Clubs, and a charter member of Mars Hill Lions Club. He was a Captain in the Mars Hill Volunteer Fire Department. He grew exquisite flowers, creating beautiful gardens, with dahlias being his favorite. He collected beer cans, having a collection in excess of 8,000 cans, from over 39 countries, and was a member of BCCC of America. Most of all Ken loved spending time and creating memories with his family, especially the little ones.

Ken is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathy Rickman Hembree (Weaverville, NC); Three daughters, Laurie Coursey (deceased) and Wayne (Sanford, FL), Dana Carter and Chris (Mars Hill, NC), and Kaley Hembree (Weaverville, NC); Grandchildren, Tiffany Canada and Ben (Castle Rock, CO), Nathan Waldrop and Jackie (Marshall, NC), Thaddaeus Puryear and Megan (Mars Hill, NC), Mary Jo Carter (Mars Hill, NC) and Bailee Carter (Mars Hill, NC); Great-granddaughters, Addyson, Skylar, and Hazel; Brothers, James Hembree (Asheville, NC) and David Hembree (deceased) and Susie (Candler, NC); Sisters, Linda Prior (Cumming, GA) and Sue Chandler (Mars Hill, NC); Brother and Sister in-laws, Michael Rickman and David Dysart (Deland, FL), Bobby Rickman and Debbie (Chuckey, TN), Jeff Rickman and Susan (Waynesville, NC), and Gary Rickman and Ellen (Asheville, NC). As well as many nieces and nephews who all loved their Uncle Ken deeply. He also had a host of amazing friends surrounding him.

Visitation will be from 12:30pm-2:00pm on October 22, 2022 at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. Asheville, NC followed by a celebration of life with Ken’s dear friend, Mark Hawkins officiating. The celebration will be live-streamed with a link below this obituary.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are some of Ken’s closest friends: Jerry Angel, Marshall Kerr, D.J. Parris, Gary Parris, Danny Slagle, and Michael Wright.

The family wishes to thank the Charles George VA Medical Center doctors and staff for providing excellent care to Ken, and the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center staff for their love and kindness in his final days.

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