Rob Dempsey Obituary, Death – It is with deep sadness that His Air and the entire Christian radio community report the passing of Rob Dempsey, Operations Manager and morning show host for His Radio/Greenville. Rob, who recently marked 35 years of service at Radio Training Network and 24 years with His Radio/Greenville, passed away following complications from emergency surgery last week. He suffered cardiac arrest last night, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, faith, and service that will be remembered by many.
Rob’s journey into Christian radio was nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the grace and transformative power of God in his life. He frequently shared his remarkable testimony, emphasizing the role that faith and Christian radio played in turning his life around during a time of profound personal struggle.
“My start in radio began as a homeless teenager, addicted to drugs and alcohol,” Rob once told His Air. It was during that difficult time that a youth pastor introduced him to WCIE, a Christian radio station in Lakeland, Florida. One fateful night, as he was leaving a bar, Rob happened to hear the voice of Christian radio broadcaster Dave Stewart on WCIE. “God loves you,” Stewart said over the airwaves. “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Those words struck Rob deeply, leading him to rededicate his life to Christ. Inspired by the impact Christian radio had on him, Rob prayed, “God, I want to do what that guy on the radio is doing.”
A year later, Rob’s prayer was answered. He became a volunteer DJ at WLPJ in North Tampa, where he began his journey in Christian radio, helping others the same way WCIE had helped him. By Easter Sunday of 1988, Rob had secured a part-time shift at WJIS in Sarasota, Florida, where he learned the ropes of radio broadcasting. His dedication and passion quickly propelled him forward, and by January 1989, he had become the full-time overnight announcer at the station.
Over the years, Rob’s role in Christian radio grew as he mastered a wide range of responsibilities. From Traffic Manager to Production Director, Program Director to Station Manager, he became a vital part of every operation he touched. In time, Rob found his home at His Radio in the Carolinas and Georgia, where he spent over two decades not only on the air but also programming the station as its Operations and Program Director. His leadership and commitment were instrumental in shaping the sound and mission of His Radio, bringing the message of Christ to thousands of listeners each day.
Rob was not only a skilled broadcaster but a devoted family man. He often spoke of the love and support of his wife Amy and their children, who were central to his life. As Rob battled cancer in recent months, the strength of his faith remained steadfast. While his passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues, his legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing him or listening to him on the radio.
His Radio and the wider Christian radio community are asking for prayers during this difficult time, especially for Rob’s wife Amy and their children. The outpouring of love and support from listeners, colleagues, and fellow believers is a testament to the profound impact Rob had on so many lives.
Rob’s story, from a troubled youth to a beacon of hope and faith in the world of Christian radio, is a powerful reminder of God’s grace and the transformative power of faith. His journey serves as an inspiration to those who feel lost, reminding them that no matter how far one may fall, God is always there to lift them up. As Rob shared in his testimony, it was the words “God loves you” that sparked a change in his life, and it was those same words he dedicated his life to sharing with others.
Though he is no longer with us, Rob’s voice, message, and spirit will live on through the lives he touched, the prayers he inspired, and the faith he shared. His Radio will continue to honor his legacy by carrying forward the mission he loved so dearly.
Please join the entire His Radio family in lifting up Rob’s loved ones in prayer as they navigate this heartbreaking time.
