Dempsey Henderson Jr. 72, of Olive Hill, went to be with the Lord Saturday, January 18, 2025, at UK St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead.
Dempsey was born on October 4, 1952, in Ashland, a son of the late Dempsey Henderson Sr. and June Bishop Henderson.
Dempsey was the baby brother to five older sisters, thriving from all their attention. He was baptized March 13, 2003, at First Baptist Church in Olive Hill and later attended Pleasant Valley Gospel Tabernacle.
Dempsey was in the National Guard for six years and a member of Operating Engineers Local 181 of Ashland. He spent most of his career working as a heavy equipment operator from 1985-2003. He enjoyed working and would regularly dream about being at work doing what he loved.
Dempsey loved spending time with his wife, children, and especially his grandchildren, whom he entertained with creative stories. Oftentimes, his storytelling included road trips to investigate “secret” roads in the county. He enjoyed his grandchildren taking naps in his arms, a well-manicured lawn, watching the news, and attending church.
Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Emma Joy Sparks Henderson; his daughter, Emily (Zachary) Lewis; his son, Jonathan Dempsey Henderson; four sisters, Alice Edison, of Lansing, Mchigan, Mary Jordan and Janice Bailey of Olive Hill, and Wanda and Steve Carroll Sr. of South Carolina; one sister-in-law, Betty Jo (Thomas “Tommy”) Enix of Lewis County; one brother-in-law, Ross Sparks of Olive Hill; and seven grandchildren, Landon Lewis, Allie Lewis, Emma Lewis, Willow Lewis, Hunter Henderson, Clayton Henderson, and Everly Henderson. He also leaves behind a host of relatives and friends who will mourn his passing.
In addition to his parents, Dempsey was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Samuel and Christine Brinegar Sparks; a sister and brother-in law, Geraldine and Delmar Haney; and three brothers-in-law, Bob Edison, Charlie Jordan, and Estill Bailey.
Services will be at Noon Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Duvall and Moore Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 149 Whitt Street at Olive Hill, with Bro. Michael Blankenship officiating. Burial will follow in Bishop-Kiser Cemetery.
Friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Duvall and Moore Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Henderson, Zachary Lewis, Tommy Enix, Eli Miller, Tim Bailey, Kevin Miller, Charles Dewayne Jordan, and Matthew Bailey.
Landon Lewis and Hunter Henderson will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Online condolences may be sent to www.duvallmoore.com.
