Keith Ray Hembree, 66, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C. He was born on July 5, 1958, in Lucedale, Miss., to the late Bennie Ray Hembree and Sherry Bolton Hembree.

Keith retired from the United States Army, serving in Iraq from 2007-2008, where he worked as a military policeman and in transportation. He also worked as a driver for Cargo Transport. Keith loved being outdoors, he enjoyed going fishing and hunting, and he had a green thumb. But above all else, Keith was a great father.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bennie Hembree.

Keith is survived by his mother, Sherry Hembree of Winston-Salem; wife of 47 years, Kathryn Parrish Hembree of Statesville; son, Kevin Michael Parish of Statesville; daughter, Katharina Parrish of Salisbury; brothers, Jeffrey Hembree (Jo) of Newland, Mark Hembree (Noelle) of Winston-Salem, and Derek Hembree (Shawna) of Florida; sister, Tammy Holland (Gene) of Semmes, Ala.; granddaughter, Lea Naomi Cauthen of Homer, N.Y.; grandson, Noah Isaiah Warren of Statesville; and his fur baby, Sargy.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 1 until 2 p.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow, beginning at 2 p.m., in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Jonathan Parrish will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Keith’s memory to Purple Heart Homes, online at https://www.purplehearthomesusa.org/ or mailed to 755 Washington Avenue, Statesville, NC 28677.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Hembree and his family.