IL SR0982

Gary Hembrough of Champaign passed away on October 9, 2012, and the Illinois Senate expresses condolences to his family and loved ones.

Hembrough was born July 29, 1939, attended Roodhouse High School where he lettered in football, basketball, and track, and played football for the University of Illinois from 1957-1962, including in the 1962 Rose Bowl.

He taught and coached football at Jefferson Junior High School and Centennial High School, serving as Centennial's head football coach for 11 years and leading the school to its first playoff berth in 1984 before retiring from Unit 4 schools in 1994.

After retirement, Hembrough founded G & H Computing Services and Coach's Cooking Team, a catering business that prepared foods for University of Illinois events, school functions, and private occasions, frequently winning food competitions.

A resolution is presented to Hembrough's family expressing the Illinois Senate's deepest sympathy for his death; he is survived by his wife Georgine, sister Janet Long, niece Missy, great-nieces Chloe and Claire, and several cousins.