Remembering Former Council Member Ed Hemphill

Remembering Former Council Member Ed Hemphill

Published on May 19, 2026

In Memory of Former Grand Prairie City Council Member Ed Hemphill

The City of Grand Prairie is saddened by the passing of former City Council Member Ed Hemphill, who faithfully served the residents of Grand Prairie from 1990 to 1994. Mr. Hemphill leaves behind a legacy of public service, leadership, and community advocacy that helped shape Grand Prairie and inspired generations that followed.

Ed Hemphill was not only a public official, but a lifelong member of the Grand Prairie community. His roots ran deeply through Dalworth, one of the area's historic African-American communities. Born in 1951 and raised in Dalworth, Mr. Hemphill often reflected on the values instilled in him by his family and neighbors: hard work, respect, perseverance, and service to others.

He frequently spoke of Dalworth with pride, remembering it as a close-knit community where neighbors looked out for one another and where children learned the importance of accountability and community responsibility. Those early experiences would shape his commitment to public service and his desire to improve opportunities for future generations.

Mr. Hemphill became the second African-American elected to the Grand Prairie City Council and served two terms after first being elected in 1990. His election represented an important milestone in the city's history and reflected his dedication to building bridges and serving residents across the community.

During and after his council service, Mr. Hemphill remained deeply invested in Grand Prairie's future. He played an instrumental role in helping bring Lone Star Park and the thousands of jobs associated with the development to Grand Prairie. He continued serving the community through his professional work and civic engagement for many years.

Mr. Hemphill also understood the importance of representation and encouraging future leaders. In 2021, he celebrated the election of new African-American council members and spoke about the significance of ensuring that diverse voices are represented in public service.

"If you want to be it, you have to see it first" became a message reflected not only in those who followed him into leadership, but also in the path he helped create.

Former Council Member Hemphill often reflected on the history and resilience of Dalworth and the importance of preserving stories that might otherwise be forgotten. He believed there was much to learn from the experiences of those who came before and understood that communities are strengthened when history is remembered and shared.

The City of Grand Prairie extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Hemphill's family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

We honor Ed Hemphill for his service to our city, his dedication to his community, and the example he set for future generations of leaders.

His legacy will continue to live on in Grand Prairie.

1990-1994 Grand Prairie City Council Member
Veteran, community leader, and advocate for future generations

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