Marion, Va.

Dempsey William Roark, age 75, passed away on April 16, 2025 at Valley Nursing Home in Chilhowie following a long illness.  Dempsey was born December 13, 1949 in Smyth County to the late Charlie and Irene Roark.  He graduated from R. B. Worthy High School.  Following graduation, he was drafted into the U. S. Army to serve his country.  Dempsey was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many.  He enjoyed the outdoors and working in his garden.

Including his parents, he was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 19 years, Susie Sheppard Dempsey; daughters, Michelle Havens and husband, Jamie, and April Roark; stepson, Darrell Arnold who he thought of Dempsey as his dad; brother, Frank and Judy Roark; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Dempsey William Roark will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2025 at Henderson Funeral Home with Pastor Wade Kestner officiating.  Burial will follow at Ridgedale Cemetery in Rich Valley.  Military rites will be provided by the United States Army Honor Guard and the V.F.W. Post #4667.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dempsey William Roark.