Mr. John Francis Dempsey age 79, of Starke passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at his residence. John was born on January 8, 1944 in Clyattville, Georgia to the late John Frances Dempsey, Sr. and Carrie Dalene (Zipperer) Dempsey and moved to Starke in 1966 from Valdosta. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Starke where he was a longtime usher. Prior to retirement he was a deputy for the Bradford County Sheriffs Department and later worked as a truck driver for Davis Express. John was an avid horseback rider and enjoyed many long trail rides with family and friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, John Allen Dempsey. Survivors are, his wife of 58 years, Sybil Mae (Sutton) Dempsey of Starke, daughter, Tamera Ann "Tammy" Winkler (Wade) of Starke, grandchildren, Austin Wade Winkler, John Riley Winkler (Morgan), and Sheldyn Laine Winkler. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Starke on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. Reverend Mike Moore and Reverend Josh Reinken will officiate all services. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org. Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME OF STARKE 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com. Visitation Saturday, April 22, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Methodist Church of Starke 200 N. Walnut Street STARKE FL 32091 US Funeral Service Saturday, April 22, 2023 11:00 AM - Methodist Church of Starke 200 N. Walnut Street STARKE FL 32091 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke 620 E. Nona Street Starke FL - 32091 US (904) 964-6200