Fred Dempsey Brooks Sr

Fred Dempsey Brooks Sr., known affectionately to all as Dempsey, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on February 8, 1931, in Arnoldsville Georgia, he was the son of the late Fred Daniel Brooks and Lillie Bell (Bradley) Brooks.

Dempsey grew up in the Winterville / Arnoldsville area of Georgia and graduated from Oconee County High School in Watkinsville. He attended the University of Georgia to study Business and he also played basketball and developed a lifelong love for the sport. Before entering military service, he worked as a Metal Finish Inspector for Chrysler Corporation in Detroit, Michigan.

During the Korean War, Dempsey proudly served four years in the United States Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class (BM3) with a gunnery specialization aboard the USS Mount Katmai. His honorable service earned him the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three campaign stars, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. These commendations reflected his dedication and contributions during a pivotal time in history. His military experience instilled in him the discipline, integrity, and sense of duty that defined his character throughout life.

After his honorable discharge, Dempsey returned to Georgia and built a successful career in sales and management. He worked in sales for Chrysler in Athens, Georgia, and later served as head sales coordinator for Days Inn. He was co-owner of B&C (Brooks & Clark) Management Corporation, where he held a key management role. In the 1980s, he and his devoted wife, Sarah Brooks, founded CharMeck Ambulance in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sarah served as CEO, while Dempsey served as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Together they grew the company into a respected provider of non-emergency & emergency medical services. They proudly led the business until selling it in 1997.

Following retirement, Dempsey resided in Titusville, Florida, where he enjoyed a peaceful life surrounded by family and pursuing his interests.

Dempsey was a man of many passions. In his retirement he enjoyed cross-country travel by motorhome, which led him to volunteer service with Holiday Rambler Chapter 419 Diesel Pusher. He was an avid NASCAR enthusiast and admirer of Richard Petty, cheered for the San Francisco 49ers, and cherished the excitement of the Kentucky Derby. He was honored with the prestigious title of Kentucky Colonel, bestowed upon him by Governor Martha Layne Collins of Kentucky in recognition of his noteworthy accomplishments and service.

Above all, Dempsey was deeply loving, caring, giving, and guided by strong integrity. He volunteered tirelessly for campground and community projects and maintained active involvement with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Moose Club, Elks Lodge, and as a Master Mason. His generosity and commitment to others left a lasting impact on his family and community.

Dempsey is survived by his devoted wife of many years, Sarah Brooks, and their children: Darlene Armistead, Fred Dempsey Brooks Jr., Frank Darryl Brooks, and Joy Brooks.

He leaves behind a cherished legacy through his grandchildren – Brandi Long, Sarah Street, Curtis Brooks, Charlie Long, Daniel Brooks, David Brooks, Leah Miller, and Jake Brooks – and beloved by fifteen great-grandchildren, all of whom filled his life with pride and happiness.

Dempsey lived a full, purposeful life marked by service to his country, devotion to his family, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering kindness. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Service Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. (0900 hours) Location: Cape Canaveral National Cemetery 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida 32754

All who wish to pay their respects and join the family in honoring his life and legacy are warmly invited to attend.

Rest in peace, Dempsey. Your legacy of love and integrity endures.