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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are deeply
3saddened to learn of the death of Gary Hembrough of Champaign,
4who passed away on October 9, 2012; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Gary Hembrough was born on July 29, 1939, in
6Roodhouse to Kenneth L. and Martha Ann Vinyard Hembrough; he
7graduated from Roodhouse High school, where he lettered all 4
8years in football, basketball, and track; he was offered full
9scholarships in football and vocal music to the University of
10Illinois, where he played football from 1957-1962, played in
11the 1962 Rose Bowl, and later coached freshmen football; he was
12president of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity; he married Georgine
13Ann Tortorella on July 20, 1974, in Lincolnwood; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Gary Hembrough took his first teaching and
15coaching positions at Jefferson Junior High School; he moved on
16to Centennial High School to teach and coach and was the
17school's head football coach for 11 years; he coached
18Centennial to its first playoff berth in 1984; he retired from
19Unit 4 schools in 1994; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Upon retirement, Gary Hembrough started G & H
21Computing Services; his interest and talent for cooking evolved
22into preparing foods for friends, fans at the University of

 

 

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1Illinois football games, and visitors at the Champaign County
2Fair; he started Coach's Cooking Team, where he catered
3weddings, ball games, gatherings, university events, school
4functions, businesses, and private affairs; he attended many
5food competitions and was a frequent winner; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Gary Hembrough's interests were extensive and
7varied; he had his Chevrolet van conversion featured in Hot Rod
8Magazine; he enjoyed ham radio, downhill skiing, golf, bass
9tournaments, photography, the banjo, bluegrass music, and
10magic tricks; he encouraged his students to excel in their
11passions and become lifelong learners; he was respected as a
12coach, teacher, leader, and a person; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Gary Hembrough was preceded in death by his
14parents, Kenneth L. and Martha Ann Vinyard Hembrough; and an
15infant brother; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Gary Hembrough is survived by his wife, Georgine;
17his sister, Janet Long; his niece, Missy (Gregg Burrus); his
18great-nieces Chloe and Claire; and several cousins; therefore,
19be it
 
20    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL
21ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
22Gary Hembrough, and we extend our sincere condolences to his

 

 

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1family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
2further
 
3    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
4presented to the family of Gary Hembrough as an expression of
5our deepest sympathy.