Dempsey was born in Schoolfield, VA, and raised in Martinsville, VA. He graduated Class of 1948 from Martinsville High School. That same year Dempsey joined the Navy, and achieved the rank of storekeeper (SK) Petty Officer, 2nd class, aboard the U.S.S. Hyades (AF-28). Dempsey worked for many years at Southern Union Gas Company in Dallas, TX, then transferred to Albuquerque, NM, where he retired. There he became a special friend to those in his neighborhood. He loved the fellowship of his neighbors who were like family to him.
Dempsey was especially like a grandpa to all the neighbor kids. He opened his home many times as "Dempsey's B" (no B-reakfast) to their families and friends. He built wagons, stilts, shelves and Corn Hole boards for the neighborhood kids and parents alike. Dempsey will be remembered for his humorous wit and funny ‘comebacks’ that kept those who surrounded him laughing.
He is survived by son Brian Dickens of Bonham, TX, and daughter Lisa Dickens Smith of Plano, TX. He is further survived by 6 grandkids: Tuesday Dickens Goers, Paul Dickens, Steven Dickens, Dana Dickens, Christian Smith, and Conner Smith, as well as 5 great-grandkids: Noah, David, Abigail, Jude and James. He was preceded in death by his mother Edith Cochran Dickens, father William Gobel Dickens, his brother Bob Dickens and sister Betty Dickens Stafford of Martinsville and Bassett, VA, his wife Lois Crothers Dickens, his son Gregory Dickens of Albuquerque, NM, and grandbaby Cameron Smith of Plano, TX.
A chapel service will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home on Saturday, October 27th, at 3PM. Interment will follow at Sparkman Hillcrest cemetery.
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