Larry Ray Dempsey, age 74, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 6:35 P.M. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at Fireside House in Centralia, Illinois with his family by his side.  He was born on May 17, 1942 in Centralia, Illinois, the son of Everett and Florence (Meadows) Dempsey.  He married Mary Moon on October 17, 1979 in West Palm Beach, Florida and she preceded him in death on November 21, 2011.

Mr. Dempsey is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Easterling of Jackson, Georgia and Christal Sawyer and husband Curtis of Jackson, Georgia, grandson, Michael Everett Sawyer of Jackson, Georgia, four brothers, Robert Dempsey of Centralia, Illinois, David Dempsey of Centralia, Illinois Charles Dempsey of Centralia, Illinois and Jack Dempsey of Boyce, Louisiana, one sister, Hazel Evilsizer and husband Jimmy of Centralia, Illinois and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife of 32 years, Mr. Dempsey was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Judy Watts.

Mr. Dempsey was a member of Centralia American Legion Post 446.  He was a member of the National Guard for a short period of time.  He was a big animal lover including his cat, Blacky, and dog, Prissy.  He was a collector of Elvis Presley memorabilia.  Earlier in life, Mr. Dempsey was a car and motorcycle enthusiast.  He was an avid golf player.  He cherished the time he spent with his family.

Mr. Dempsey retired in 1996 as a mailing supervisor with the Palm Beach Post newspaper after 22 years of service.  He was a custodian at the Centralia American Legion Post 446 from 2008 until 2010.  He lived in Centralia, Illinois for the last 20 years.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 1, 2016, at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Dempsey's family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on Facebook.