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William (Bill) Hamlin Dempsey was born on October 26, 1936 to William Ross Dempsey and Nonnie Morrison Dempsey at their home in Ohatchee, AL. After a long battle with lung disease, Bill died peacefully while surrounded by his family at RMC on February 16, 2025. He lived a life of service to his family, his friends, and his community, and we will honor his life with a memorial service on February 20, 2025 at Miller Funeral Home in Oxford, Alabama. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. The service will begin at 12:00 noon. A graveside service will follow at Forestlawn Gardens. Chief Gary Sparks and Scott Prater will lead the services. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William Ross and Nonnie Dempsey; his sisters, Ruby Watts, Ruth Freeman, Louise Smith, Catherine (Cate) Caldwell and Luvenia Dempsey; his brothers, Russell Dempsey, Curtis Dempsey, and Wiley (Sonny) Dempsey; his brothers-in-law Joe Watts, Otis Freeman, Frank Smith, Dewey Caldwell, and Donny Thornton; and sisters-in-law Judy Dempsey and Liz Thornton. Bill is survived by his wife of 33 years, Patti; his children: Mark Dempsey, Kimberly Dempsey Thomas, Heather Prater (Scott), and Lee Taylor (Stephanie); his grandchildren: Heather Allen (Christian), Danielle Porter, Krystan Gillett, Logan Dempsey, Nathan Thomas (Nicole), Olivia Achille, Taylor Wood (Jason), Alyssa Cochran (Cody), Kara Prater (Xander), and Erin Prater; and his great-grandchildren: Kaylee McLean, Addisyn McLean, Brennan McLean, Kate Allen, Cannon Allen, Brynlee Porter, Hanna Starr, Rylen Gillett, Zoie Gillett, Haizley Stayner, Roman Thomas, Jackson Thomas, Janie Wood, and Jase Wood; his brother, Jerry Dempsey (Brenda); sister-in-law Joyce Dempsey; brothers-in-law Danny Thornton (Wanda) and Archie Thornton; sisters-in-law Karen Burnham (Kenneth) and Genia Davis; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be: Assistant Chief Ben Stewart, Assistant Chief Donald Heard, Battalion Chief Kyle Macoy, Battalion Chief Donnie Adams, Battalion Chief Curtis Cupp, Battalion Chief Stephen Muncher, Lieutenant John Clark, and Firefighter Shane Calvert. If you spent any time talking to Bill, there were a few things you would quickly learn: he enjoyed building houses, he was a diehard Auburn fan (War Eagle!), his favorite trips were the ones he made “Out West”, he was proud to be a volunteer fireman for the Oxford Fire Department, and he loved his family more than anything else. He liked to have a good time playing cards, watching football, playing the slots in Vegas, going to Old Car shows, and sitting around telling stories to his kids and grandkids. He was a wise man, and he often shared his experiences and wisdom with us. For that, we will forever be grateful. However, he was also full of useless trivia which his family enjoyed just as much. (Who else knows hippopotamus milk is pink? Only you, Grandpa). He taught his family what it means to serve others. He was recently honored for his 50 years of service as a volunteer fireman for the Oxford Fire Department. As any of the other firefighters will tell you, that is a huge sacrifice! He was proud to be a part of that brotherhood of men, and he enjoyed serving alongside them. Our family would like to thank the Oxford Fire Department for their expressions of concern, love, and admiration for Bill. You were such a blessing during this time. The greatest legacy Bill leaves behind is the love he had for his family. He loved big and he loved hard. He showed up when times were good and when times were tough. He was quick to say “I love you,” and he constantly proved it. He made sure his family knew how much he loved them, and for us, that is the greatest gift he left behind. You loved us well, Grandpa, and we hope you know how much we all loved you!

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William (Bill) Hamlin Dempsey

October 26, 1936 - February 16, 2025