Joe Dempsey High

He was the loving husband of Sue, his wife of 60 years. Born in Tompkinsville, Kentucky to Garnet and Lola High, he moved to Sanford, Florida at the age of 7 and later graduated from Seminole High School, where he served as captain of the basketball team. After graduating from the University of Florida, with a Bachelor’s of Electrical Engineering, he went to work for Florida Power Corporation in Clearwater, Florida. Continuing his education at Rollins College, he received a Master of Science in Management. He retired as Engineering and Operations Manager in Apopka, Florida after 32 years with the company. He was a member of First Baptist Sweetwater, where he served in many capacities including Deacon and Trustee. He had a lifelong passion for the great outdoors, especially bass fishing, which he enjoyed throughout his life—particularly at their second home on the St. John’s River. Retiring at age 55 gave him and Sue the cherished gift of time—time to travel and to savor the simplest moments of life together, side by side. He enjoyed watching many sports including football, basketball, and golf, and could always be found cheering on his beloved Gators. He will always be remembered for his deep love for the Lord, his unwavering humility, and his steadfast devotion as a husband, father, and grandfather. His faith was the foundation of his life, guiding his actions and relationships with grace and compassion. To his family, he was a source of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love—leaving behind a legacy of kindness, faithfulness, and integrity that will continue to inspire all who knew him. He faced life with optimism, always choosing to see the good in people and situations. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, Michael High, Jodi High, and Kelli Miller, as well as 10 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.