Brett Bartley Hemphill, 56, and resident of Dade City, FL, passed away unexpectedly at Phantom Springs, TX, in early October. Brett was born on May 31, 1967 in Cocoa Beach, FL to Louis and Sheryl (Rawls) Hemphill. The family moved several times during his childhood, and spent several years in Michigan where Brett graduated from Howell High School in 1986. After returning to Florida in 1989, Brett dedicated over 30 years to educating and inspiring exploration and protection of the Floridan Aquifer and springs; innovating equipment for the safety of other divers; and exploring, mapping, and filming many underwater cave systems. Brett entertained us by sharing his love of music, singing in rock and roll cover bands, performing musical theater selections for local shows and charity events, and every time he stepped up to the karaoke stage. Since coming to Tampa, Brett worked in building services throughout Central Florida and could often be found hanging from downtown Tampas skyscrapers, making him a familiar face in the Tampa Bay Area. Brett was an explorer, musician, conservationist, artist, and a man who loved his family and friends. He will be dearly missed. Brett is survived by his wife of 28 years Cheryl, sons Skyler Hemphill, of Port Orchard, WA, and Garrett (Cheyenne)Hemphill of Lakeland, FL; daughters Chase (C.J. Paskert)Hemphill, of St. Petersburg, FL, and Morgan Hemphill, of Dade City, FL; grandchildren Landon and Astred; parents Louis (Marilyn) Hemphill, of Punta Gorda, FL, and Sheryl (Robin) Blau, of Lutz, FL; brothers Scott (Rosie) Hemphill, of Columbus, MI and Michael Hemphill, of Inverness, FL; and mother-in-law Cheryl (Rick) Mercer, of Lutz, FL. Visitations and services will be held at Hodges Family Funeral Home, 11441 US Highway 301, Dade City, FL 33525. Visitation will take place from 6 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 28th. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, October 29th. The family will also receive friends, 3 4 p.m. (one hour prior to the service) at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Karst Underwater Research at karstunderwater.org. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, location to be determined. Visitation Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City) Saturday, October 28, 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525 Visitation Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City) Sunday, October 29, 2023 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525 Memorial Service Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City) Sunday, October 29, 2023 4:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525