Ronnie Dempsey, 68, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 21 at 11 a.m. at Old Path Country Church in McCool, Mississippi, with Bro. Hank Dempsey and Bro. Jay Watson officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Interment will immediately follow the service in Owens Chapel Cemetery in Choctaw County.
Ronnie was born October 9, 1956, to Jimmy and Geneva Hamm Dempsey in Louisville. He was a member of Old Path Country Church. Ronnie was happiest to spend his days fishing or hitching up his mules to the wagon for a leisurely ride. He enjoyed visiting with people and making connections—he truly never met a stranger. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Ellen Beckham Dempsey; his mother, Geneva Dempsey; and his son, Kenny Wilcher all of McCool. One of his greatest joys was being “Pappaw” to his grandchildren: Grace Wilcher of McCool, Jack Wilcher (Seraphina) of Starkville, Mississippi, and Alex Watson of Ackerman, Mississippi. He also leaves behind two sisters, Kathy Johnson of Carthage, Mississippi, and Donna Edwards of McCool; and his brother, Terry Dempsey also of McCool; as well as his loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Dempsey.
Serving as pallbearers are Jack Wilcher, Terry Dempsey, Ted Dempsey, Lewis Deel, Greg Beard and Nicky Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are Dustin Johnson, Bryan Edwards, Troy Edwards, Caleb Burdine, and Aiden Montenegro.
