February 2, 1930 – September 25, 2012
Charles "Chuck" Hemphling, a resident of southern California and San Francisco for the past 40 years, passed away in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama on September 25, 2012 following an illness that extended for more than two years. Chuck lived in southern California for a couple of years before moving to San Francisco, a city he dearly loved, in the early 1980s. A gregarious, fun-loving guy, Chuck tended bar and later managed three bars. First was the now-defunct Railway Express on Taylor Street. He then ran the old *P.S. bar on Polk Street, where he worked for several years before opening the Queen Mary's Pub, which is now Aunt Charlie's Lounge, located at 133 Turk Street, which he managed until he retired five years ago when he returned to Mobile. Chuck, affectionately known as "Aunt Charlie" by his many patrons, made friends easily, was known as a very generous guy, and will be missed by the scores of friends he made in the city by the bay. Chuck never said no to anyone needing a helping hand, always had the backs of those he loved, and will be sorely missed by the many, many friends he leaves in San Francisco. He is survived by three brothers and three sisters, all living in Alabama; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services for Chuck were held Saturday, September 29 in Mobile. Every friend's death diminishes us, but "Aunt Charlie's" passing is particularly felt by those of us who knew and loved him – he was one hell of a nice guy.