Commander (USN Ret) Albert Edward (Ted) Dempsey passed away Thursday, September 24, 2015, in a tragic accident. Ted was a decorated veteran pilot for the US Navy. He was a dedicated Christian who loved the lord and is now home to share his smile with God. He was passionate about his wife, children, soccer, gulf fishing, surfing, and any sports team from Miami. He faced each day with enthusiasm, optimism, and a desire to help others.
Ted is survived by his adoring wife Maureen and his daughters Cailyn, Madelyn, and Eleanor. He is also survived by his mother Sandy Madden; sisters Alex (Jorge) Martin and Debbie (Rick) Clements; grandson Clinton; father-in-law Wayne (Ruthie) McClain; mother-in-law Kathy (Jim) Vandervest; siblings-in-law Evan (Mary Jane) McClain, Tim (Stephanie Kehrer) McClain, Chip (Maggie) Hunter, David (Keri) Hunter, Lylli (Scott) Whittle, and Aaron Vandervest; nieces and nephews, including Ashley, Paloma, and Gracie. Ted also left many friends who cherished his smile, sense of humor, and fun-loving nature.
Ted was born in 1964 to parents Al and Sandy Dempsey in Miami, FL. He graduated from high school at the Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, FL, in 1982. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1988, Ted trained as a Naval Aviator at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL, and received his wings as a helicopter pilot. He flew in the Gulf War, during which he instrumental in the exploitation of Iraqi mine line detected. Ted served tours of duty as test pilot, air operations officer, Flag Secretary, Department Head, and Officer in Charge. He primarily flew the Navy's MH-53 Sea Dragon helicopter, but while flying a UH-1 Huey In 1995, he got notice of a downed Air Force pilot in the Gulf of Mexico. Lacking rescue equipment, he instead hovered the helicopter directly over the water so his crew could pull in the pilot. This bravery and initiative awarded him a citation from Rear Admiral D.P. Sargent. While stationed in San Diego, Ted earned an MBA from the University of San Diego. His last assignment was as the Executive Officer of NSWC Panama City where he retired in 2008. He went to work for SAIC in Panama City as the Business Development Manager, serving also as a program manager, supervisor, and the unofficial morale builder for the office who wanted to make his colleagues excited about coming to work.
Ted loved delighting others and helping hard workers excel. He had a natural gift for lighting up a room and the lives of the people he held close. More than anything, Ted wanted those he loved to be happy, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness, for that is what brought him joy.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 30, at Lynn Haven United Methodist (UMC) with Sr. Pastor Craig Carter officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening at Lynn Haven UMC from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ronald MacDonald House, of which Ted was a long-time supporter.