Ralph David Sullins, Jr. better known as “Dempsey”, 81 years old, of Spruce Pine, NC left this earth for his long desired heavenly home on January 6, 2025. Born October 14th , 1943, the only child to the late Ralph David, Sr. and Willie Mae McGee Sullins.
Dempsey was a member of Pine Branch Baptist Church, where he has served in various positions over the years. He dearly loved his church and church family. He especially enjoyed singing in the choir.
Having had a lifelong love for music from starting as a child growing up around his dad’s business, “Sullins Radio Company” that later became known as “Sullins Music Center”. As a young adult Dempsey co-owned and worked at the store with his dad until his passing. Dempsey continued to run the store until closing it in 1989.
During his younger years his love for music led him to start a High School Band known as “The Blue Notes”. Moving into his college days brought on a new rock/pop band he called “The Cardigans”. Changing genres later he was the manager and bass player for “The Toe River Valley Boys” bluegrass band. His last earthly years of playing with a group was with close friends in a local bluegrass gospel group known as 4Grace. Now he has joined the Angel’s Choir to sing the praises to Christ the King for all of eternity.
Dempsey leaves behind his loving wife of 43 years, Leisa Carpenter Sullins, their two sons John-Mark (Megan) of Marion, NC and Josh (Kali) of Maryville, TN. His granddaughters Dakota, Chloe, Aria and another sweet baby girl to be born in 2025. His life was blessed with many close family and special friends. In addition, his sons David Lee, Greg and daughter Heather Leigh Sullins. Granddaughter Brittany and grandson Tyler all of the Asheville area.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 12th at Pine Branch Baptist Church in Spruce Pine. The family will be receiving friends from 1:30 until 2:30 prior to the services at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
If Dempsey were here, he would say to each one of us “Til we meet again.”
