Mr. Peter Henry Hempfling, aged 81, of Blowing Rock, NC, born on May 17th 1944 in Long Island, NY, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his children, on July 5th 2025.

Peter is survived by his children, Lisa Hughes and husband Vaughn Hughes of Roan Mountain, TN, Catherine Prossen and husband Greg Prossen of Oconomowoc, WI, Joseph Hempfling of Foscoe, NC, Elizabeth Hempfling of Boone, NC, and Amy Hempfling of Boone, NC. He is also survived by his 4 siblings, Joseph Hempfling, Carl Hempfling, Henry Hempfling, and Julie Faber.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Hempfling, his mother, Catherine Maczka Hempfling, and by his beloved son John Hempfling.
Peter's legacy in the community will be cherished by many. He was known for his warm welcoming personality, bright, joyous smile, and a man who never met a stranger. He was kind to all whom he came across, and was always eager to talk about Jehovah God, whom he served faithfully as one of Jehovah's Witnesses since his baptism in 1975. He had a tremendous work ethic and worked very hard at his occupation for over 50 years on property maintenance, and as a handyman servicing the High Country. He was a people person and always went out of his way to help others. He was always ready to sit down and listen or talk to someone who was in need. He, like many, had his fair share of trials but proved himself to be courageous, brave, and resilient. With his life experience, he was able to share a positive outlook and remind people to look for the good in everything. His charismatic, loving demeanor alone helped comfort others and made him a friend, mentor to many, and a father to the fatherless.

Peter gifted all of us with his kind, and powerful voice of wisdom. His words encouraged others to focus on love, and to let go of pain, resentment, and to be forgiving even when it felt challenging.He leaves us with many infamous quotes, some already known by others but beautiful enough to share: “No is a complete sentence.” “Have you worked on your gratitude list today?” “Slow motion gets you there quicker.” “Isn’t everything beautiful”… And to the baby of the family, Amy, they had their own words that will forever remain beautiful…”I love you a little bit, and I love you a lot!”

Peter lived to love and care for his children. He worked extra hard to make life fun and adventurous, bringing home go karts, motorcycles, and ponies, but the best thing he would bring home was his big warm hug and smile. His children enjoyed hearing all the stories of dad growing up in Brooklyn, New York, with his siblings, including opening up Kitty's Diner named after his mother and later walking his dear sister, Julie, down the aisle. He loved to tell the kids about Annie, the pet gibbon ape who came back carried gently in a duffle bag, with him, while he was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam war.

Peter celebrated life everyday. His family would often find him singing out loud, dancing, and thanking Jehovah for another beautiful day of life. As his health declined, his thankfulness for life did not waiver. He continued to thank Jehovah aloud daily for the gift of life and for living another beautiful day. He was bursting with creativity, he loved art, music,and was in awe of the universe, and nature's wonders. He was a humble yet very talented painter, it gave him joy to create art while listening to his Doo-Wop music. He also loved to share it with others, encouraging their own creativity. Peter enjoyed watching his children grow into adults and frequently expressed his love, and how proud he was of each of his children. His children will cherish all the moments they got to share with their loving father and are grateful for how it has influenced the people they are today. He is already deeply missed, but his passion for loving life and the people in it, will be reflected in his children, and the lives of others, whom he has touched.

The family will be having funeral services to honor Peter on Sunday July 27th at 2pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 1484 Old US 421 S, Boone NC 28607.
There will be a reception following at 3pm located at The Mill at Rock Creek 3306 NC-194, Boone NC 28607.

Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hempfling family.