Robert Fredwell Dempsey
On Monday, March 24, 2025 at the age of 91, friends and family said goodbye to Robert Fredwell Dempsey. He is finally home, absent from the body and present with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Robert was dedicated to his family, was full of life, and had a faith that never wavered.
Robert was a hard worker and provided well for his family. Robert worked as a meat cutter for numerous grocery stores and at Roadway Trucking Company, from which he retired. He was committed to Christian education and made it a priority for his children, even if it meant working two or three jobs to provide for his family. Robert never met a stranger and stayed in contact with many friends and family over the course of his life. His infectious laugh, ability to tell a good story and then laugh till he cried, often made him the life of the party. Robert could often be seen walking in the Brainerd area of Chattanooga, or riding public transportation close to his home while striking up a conversation with anyone who crossed his path. He was bold about his faith and shared it freely and openly whether he was sitting in the barber chair, around the kitchen table, on the dock at work, or on the phone with friends or family. He loved reading books that challenged his faith, he loved ice cream and anything sweet and he especially enjoyed a good nap.
He was a member of Highland Park Baptist Church. Later in his life, he faithfully attended Calvary Chapel with pastors Frank Ramseur, Scott Stevens, Brian McKenney, and dearly loved his small group.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mary Dempsey, his wife, Barbara Jean Driggers Dempsey, and his granddaughter Catherine Leah Weltin.
Robert was born on January 30, 1934 in Dade Çounty, Florida to his mother, Mary Hildreth Parnell, and his father, Fredwell Jackson Dempsey. Robert married Barbara Jean Driggers on April 6, 1956, and began his life with Barbara as a Marine during the Korean War, stationed in Key West, Florida, and Puerto Rico. He is survived by his three siblings: William Richard Dempsey, Mary Maxine (Jo) Cravey, and Marie Frances Sanders, his four children, Robert Gregory Dempsey [Teresa], Janine McCurdy [Mark], Kelly Denise Johnson [Roger], and Stephanie Ann Rodgers [Phillip]; his nine grandchildren: Jason De Arman Dempsey, Tara Danell Baggett, Benjamin Mark McCurdy, Christina Joy Anliker, Ashlei Renee Dempsey, Joshua Gregory Dempsey, Emily Avalon Young, Kaylee Erin Rodgers, Taylor Abigail Rodgers; his 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to the staff at the Bridge in Ooltewah and the Lantern for their loving care of Robert. Thank you to Crystal, Lily, April, Jim, Lisa and Sharon. Thank you to Hearth Hospice and his hospice nurses, Sherry and Rusty, for their compassionate care.
Due to Robert's body being donated to the University of Tennessee at Memphis medical school, internment at the National Cemetery will be at a later date.