Obituary of Walter J. Hembree-Bey
Please share a memory of Walter to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
Obituary
Walter Jackson Hembree-Bey was born August 9,1931 to Walter J Hembree Sr. and Louise Holmes in Hartford, Connecticut. Louise died from medical complications, within one year of Walter’s birth.
His family moved to Atlanta Georgia about 1932, where Walter and his sister Louise were raised by their grandmother Mexico Shehee Hembree.
He attended Ashby Elementary school, Booker T. Washington High School and Clark University.
In his youth, he was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout. As a young adult, he discontinued his studies at Clark University to enlist in the United States Air Force, where he served for 4 years.
After his honorable discharge, he moved to New York where he lived with his Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Florence.
He worked for Pan American World Airways for 39 years, and was able to travel the world with his family, until Pan Am’s dissolution.
During his time at Pan Am, he also owned a dry-cleaning business in South Ozone Park, New York, where his Uncle Jimmy oversaw daily operations.
He became a third-degree mason and was a skilled craftsman. In 1971, he moved to Long Beach, New York.
Walter spent most of his adult life as a leader in the Moorish Science Temple of America as National Organizer and Grand Sheik. He became National Magistrate on October 7, 2005.
He was a loving and devoted husband to Renee’ B. Miller Hembree-Bey for over 51 years. He was a loving and inspirational father to Diedre and Khary Hembree-Bey.
He leaves behind five grandchildren, Justina and Tamir Turner-Bey, Dylan, Milla, and Jake Hembree-Bey. One daughter-in-law Eliane Beribos Hembree-Bey, two sisters Louise Larkin and Yolanda Hill, one niece Kimberly Hill and many cousins.
He will always be remembered and loved by all.