Jack Dempsey age 88 of Interlachen

Mr. Ashley Jackson “Jack” Dempsey, age 88 of Interlachen passed away Friday, August 21, 2026, at Putnam Hospital. He was born on February 16, 1938, in Plant City, to Lottie and Jessie (Wallace) Dempsey.

Mr. Dempsey was a Chief Petty Officer and served honorably in the Navy's Sea Bees reserves for 35 years. Jack also made a significant impact on his community through his work with the Department of Transportation and his own surveying business. He stayed active in the Fraternal Order of Moose for over 50 years, cherishing the friendships he made along the way.

Raised in the Baptist Church, he held strong to his faith throughout his life. He delighted in the simple pleasures, including fishing, gardening, hunting, and tending to his beloved honeybees, but most of all staying patriotic to his country. He lived a full and vibrant life, spending his final years in Interlachen.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his grandson, Devin Niesel, sister Edwina Pick, and his former wife, Lucy Holman.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved daughters, Melissa Dempsey of Keystone Heights, Lucinda Murphy of Melrose, and Carolyn Alderman (Troy) of St. Augustine, as well as his son, Jay Dempsey Jr. (Ashley) of Ft. Lonesome. He was lovingly called “Pops” or “Grandpa” by his six grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Haven Hospice www.havenhospice.com/donate or Soldiers' Freedom www.soldiersfreedomoutdoors.org to honor of Mr. Dempsey’s legacy.

Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. WALKER DR. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL 32656. 352-473-3176.www.jonesgallagherfh.com