Benjamin S. Dempsey

A memorial service is on Friday evening, January 5, 2023, at 6 p.m. in the Huntingdon First United Methodist Church sanctuary with Dr. Tim Atkins officiating. The family will receive friends at the church, 3 p.m. until the time of service. 

Ben was born to the late William Wells Dempsey and Margaret Shaw Dempsey, the second of four boys. His older brother, Billy, predeceased him in childhood, and Ben grew up in the Sandusky area and later Martin, Tennessee, with his brothers Peter and Tim.

After high school, Ben was drafted and served in the Vietnam War. When he came home, he earned an engineering degree before enrolling in Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in Memphis. He began a legal career that changed many lives, spanning over 40 years and helping countless people. 

After earning his law degree, Ben worked as in-house counsel at Carroll County Bank in Huntingdon, where he met his wife, Heather McKinley Dempsey. They married in 1981 and made their life together for 42 years. Together, they have three children, Matthew Dempsey (wife, Reese), Benjamin Andrew Dempsey, and Cayce Dempsey Maddox (husband, Braden).

Ben was a successful trial lawyer and a member of Tennessee Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers. He loved his job and had the most fun in the courtroom. He believed in the court system and the important role of defense lawyers in keeping the Constitution alive. Ben was known for bringing peppermints and bags of chocolates to share at any courthouse he visited. He was also known for his kindness and camaraderie among the bar. 

One year ago, Ben received a diagnosis of Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. He kept a positive outlook despite the difficult circumstances and wanted to encourage others to keep their faith. He leaned on his church family and his relationship with God to get through physically and emotionally difficult times. Ben never gave up. 

Before his illness, Ben could be found at the First United Methodist Church any time the doors were open for services, weddings, or funerals; he worked in the background to keep things running smoothly, and if there was a meal, he would be in the kitchen washing dishes. Ben volunteered his time as a Sunday School teacher for all ages over the years, from teaching kids in the housing projects, the Gordon Browning Class he loved and highly regarded, and lastly, residents at Harmony Hill. Part of his ministry included recording and copying weekly services and making them accessible to those who couldn't attend. He dearly loved the church. 

The best and last title Ben earned was that of "B" to his beloved grandgirls, Cameron Elizabeth Maddox and Nora Hawkins Maddox. B was a loving, affectionate, fun, and silly playmate to them. He supported all of their interests with his gifts and his presence. He will be dearly missed and remembered for his humor, love, and extravagant generosity. 

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude or Huntingdon First United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.