John Carl Dempsey

John Carl Dempsey, 74, passed away on Friday, January 21, 2011, after a long period of declining health. He was the son of John William and Maurine Josenhans Dempsey. He was predeceased by his parents, a granddaughter, Jamie Yopp Sessoms, and his best buddy, K.C. Von Vicious. Carl was born and raised in Wilmington where he lived for most of his life. He graduated from New Hanover High School and Wilmington College and continued his education with a bachelor's degree from UNCW and a master's from NC State University. He began his professional career at the U.S Corp of Engineers. He later moved on to the N.C Department of Transportation where he served in the Dept. of Photogrammetry. In 1967, he joined the faculty of UNCW as an instructor of Mathematics. While at UNCW, he also served as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Institutional Research, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor of Business Affairs, and Associate Vice Chancellor of Business Affairs. When he retired from UNCW in 1998, he was the Director of Major Construction on the UNCW campus. Carl was also an ordained Baptist Minister and served as pastor of Mill Creek Baptist Church for several years. He married many of his children, family and friends. He was also a registered Land Surveyor and was involved in the initial survey for the development of Bald Head Island and the Fort Fisher Golf and Country Club. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dorothy Sleeman Dempsey, his children, Deborah Dawson Don, Carla Hall Tommy, Cheval Dempsey, John Samuel Dempsey Lori, and Leigh Dempsey, his stepchildren, Ellis Eugene Williams Teresa, Richard Curth Williams Debbie, Anthony Roy Williams Jennifer, Robin Bevill Tim, and George Scot Williams Robin. He also leaves 21 grand children, several great grand children, a sister, Mary Jo Tyer James and many other family members and friends. A memorial service will be held at 4 PM, Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Andrews Valley Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 PM, prior to the service In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carl's name to the New Hanover County Humane Society or the charity of your choice. The family requests casual dress . May he now rest in peace