Elder Joseph L. Dempsey was born in Valdosta Georgia on December 1, 1935. He was the only child of Tommy Roberson and Helen Ruth Rogers Dempsey. His parents later moved to Tampa where he attended school. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force. While serving, he traveled through most of southeast Asia, Guam, Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, and other small countries. He spent time in SAC MP as an aviation technician over several different squadrons.

He met his wife, Marva, in Panama, Central America in Balboa; they were married for over 67 years. They were blessed with six children. Elder Dempsey enjoyed his travels with his family. While being stationed all over the United States, they gained lasting friendships with many of the people they met.

He was raised by his grandmother and always seemed to have a special calling. This calling became more evident when he was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost. This wonderful, life changing, journey unfolded when the family was stationed at Webb AFB in Big Spring, Texas. Hunting was his favorite pastime, and he and his pastor hunted together all the time. Ultimately, it was that same pastor who persuaded him to fulfill this spiritual transition. These two families maintained a lasting friendship for over 70 years.

He served in the military for 20 years, retired and went into civil service with the United States Postal Service. After retiring from the post office, he settled in mid-Florida, continuing to visit different churches and encouraging those he encountered through ministering and counseling. His children never saw him as a traditional preacher, but rather as a powerful teacher who could plainly dissect the Word of God so that it was easily understood.

The family attended mostly Spanish Apostolic churches, which was his wife’s preference. Being stationed all over by the Air Force, the family was blessed to meet many people and enjoy various cultures. Joseph and his family were steadfast in the ministry and missionary work. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 67 years. He is survived by his six children and two granddaughters.

One Lord, one faith, one baptism