Dempsey Henderson, Jr.

Dempsey Henderson, Jr

1952-2025

Dempsey Henderson Jr, 72, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, January 18, 2025, at UK St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead KY. Dempsey was born on October 4, 1952, in Ashland, KY to the late Dempsey Henderson, Sr. and June Bishop Henderson.

Dempsey was the baby brother to five older sisters, who thrived from all of his sister’s attention when he was young and as he grew older. 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, Kentucky. 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 a nap in his arms, a well-manicured lawn, watching the news, and attending church.

In addition to his parents, Dempsey was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Samuel and Christine Brinegar Sparks; one sister and brother-in law, Geraldine Haney & Delmar Haney; three brothers-in-law, Bob Edison, Charlie Jordan, and Estill Bailey.

Dempsey is survived by 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, MI, Mary Jordan and Janice Bailey of Olive Hill, Wanda & 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;  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 that will mourn his passing.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM, Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Duvall and Moore Funeral & Cremation Service, 149 Whitt Street, Olive Hill, KY, 41164, with Bro. Michael Blankenship officiating. Burial will follow at the Bishop-Kiser Cemetery.  

Friends may visit 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Duvall and Moore Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

Jonathan Henderson, Zachary Lewis, Tommy Enix, Eli Miller, Tim Bailey, Kevin Miller, Charles Dewayne Jordan, and Matthew Bailey will serve as pallbearers.

Landon Lewis and Hunter Henderson will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Online condolences can be sent to www.duvallmoore.com

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