Walter R. "Cotton" Hembree, 93, of Irmo, died Thursday, December 8, 2016. Born to Lounetter Grubbs and Jess H. Hembree in Columbia, SC, he was married to the late Betty Swenson and the late Jean Player. Mr. Hembree was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, Columbia. A US Navy veteran of World War II, he served as a Radioman Second Class. Retired from the United States Post Office, Mr. Hembree was an avid University of South Carolina Gamecock fan.

Surviving their father are five children, Raleigh Hembree of Costa Mesa, CA, Nancy Hembree and Judith Hembree-Boley of Menisee, CA, Steven Hembree of San Jacinto, CA, and Mark Hembree of Denver, CO; and special niece and caregiver, Jan Hembree Schofield of Ridgeway, SC. In addition to his wives, Mr. Hembree is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

A graveside service will be held 11 o'clock, Wednesday, December 14th, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Columbia. The family will receive friends after the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to University of South Carolina Athletic Scholarship Fund, 1304 Heyward Street, Columbia, SC 29208.