Former SC State Hall of Famer Bobby Hemby Passes

Robert M. (Bobby) Hemby Sr.
Courtesy: SCSU Athletics

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  Robert M. (Bobby) Hemby Sr., a standout football player at South Carolina State during his collegiate days (1968-72), and an SCSU Hall of Fame inductee, died Thursday, August 27, 2015 at the MUSC Medical Center in Charleston following a brief illness. A lifelong educator, Hemby was 65.

The funeral will be held Thursday (Sept. 3) at 1 p.m. at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1785 Amelia Street, Orangeburg. Carroll Mortuary of Bamberg, SC is in charge of arrangements. Friends may call at the residence, 392 Woodberry Drive, Orangeburg, or the funeral home.

A Brooklyn, NY native, Hemby lettered four years as a defensive back at SC State. He intercepted 16 passes, including three in one half against Morgan State in 1971, during his Bulldog career. He played in the inaugural Black College East/West All-Star Game where he had one interception as a senior, and later signed a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1972. Hemby was inducted into the SCSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

Hemby earned both a bachelor's and a master's at SC State, where his three sons also played football. Robert II, played quarterback and defensive back for the Bulldogs; Ryan played defensive back; and Russell, quarterback and defensive back. His widow, Grace Hemby, and daughter Robyn Hemby, are also SC State graduates.

In addition to the family members mentioned above, Hemby is survived by his mother, Mattie Johnson and a sister, Patricia Means, both of Syringa, Virginia.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION