Deacon Harlan Dempsey died in his Taylor home, June 11, 2020 at the age of 89. He died alongside the love of his life, Barb and church family, still quietly worshiping to the Gaither's Vocal Band.

Harlan was a 4-pound Christmas baby, born Dec. 25, 1930 in Tram, Kentucky, to Blanche and Ray Dempsey, also known as Mammaw and Pappaw. He was the first of four kids, who would end up serving Jesus Christ most of their long lives. Harlan was 13 when he gave his heart to the Lord.

Harlan joined the service in 1951, when he was deployed to Germany as a camera repairman, in the United States Air Force. He once got himself in trouble for driving his security truck through a beet patch.

After serving his country, he returned to Kentucky and met his wife-to-be Barbara Short, sweeping her off her feet from atop a mountain when she was just 17. He wooed her with handwritten love letters that much to her dismay mostly talked about baseball and the weather. They wed the next spring, on May 4, 1956, and he spent the next 64 years making her giggle at all the right times.

Harlan settled his family in Detroit in the 1960's with a job at General Motors, where he would later retire.

Harlan and Barbara found their calling, taking care of children, in the love of their first son, Paul David, in 1961. From there they had Paige, Carol, Susan, Abby, Juli, Denise, Toby, Tommy, Barbara Sue, Jessica and Gage. Countless others found themselves under the care of "Auntie and Uncle Harlan" over the years.

Harlan and Barbara together traveled the world, from Switzerland to Israel to Lebanon and back to Germany, where he promised he'd take her to see where he served.

They found a home in the church family, now known as Rivers Worship Center, back in 1964. Harlan became the beloved youth leader of some 120 kids in Sunday School. He remained their uncle Harlan for decades, even after they grew up and had their own children and grandchildren. He could shout the loudest "Wonderful Jesus" in all of the congregation.

Harlan led the Southern Gospel singing group "The Redemptionaires". They produced dozens of albums, praising God in a way that celebrated his Kentucky roots and reflected his heart for worship.

Everyone Harlan met became his buddy or his babydoll. His gentlemanly charm and soul-squeezing hugs made him adored by everyone who knew him. He was known to praise God aloud and often. When he wasn't, he was undoubtedly smiling or humming a tune. He was known to make a mean pot of vegetable soup.

Harlan is preceded in death by his parents; Ray and Blanche, his son; Paul David, his sister; Loretta, and his brother; Harry (Pat). He is survived by his loving wife; Barbara, Sister; Mary Lou (Donald) Brady, many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren nieces and nephews, and an extended church family, who one day await a heavenly reunion.

Harlan's visitation will be 3-6 p.m. Monday, June 15 with a service at 6 p.m. at Living Rock Church, 3320 Ecorse Road in Romulus.

He will be laid to rest at Detroit Memorial Park in Redford.