Renowned Christian radio host, Rob Dempsey, has passed away at 57, a week after sharing his stage 3 bladder cancer diagnosis with his audience. Dempsey, who served as the Station Manager and co-host of the morning show ‘Rob and Lizz’ on HIS Radio, died on October 23rd. The radio station announced his passing on their Facebook page.
Dempsey’s death was due to cardiac arrest, which happened while he was in the hospital for emergency surgery. His colleagues at the South Carolina-based station paid tribute to him during a broadcast, emphasizing his humor, leadership, and positive influence on both the community and the station.
Dempsey had been a part of HIS Radio for 24 years, and his sudden diagnosis with aggressive bladder cancer on October 15th had left his listeners in shock. Despite the bleak prognosis, Dempsey remained optimistic, expressing his resolve to be there for his children and grandchildren, and to grow old with his wife, whom he referred to as his rock.
Dempsey’s journey in radio began under difficult circumstances. As a homeless teenager battling addiction, he was introduced to Christian radio station WCIE by a youth pastor. One night, a message from the radio host resonated with him, leading him to rededicate his life to Christ and aspire to work in radio.
Throughout his 35-year career, Dempsey held various roles, starting as a volunteer DJ in Tampa, Florida, and eventually becoming the operations and program director for HIS Radio in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. He also fought obesity, losing 140 pounds over the years.
Dempsey is survived by his wife, Amy, their four children, Wes, Amanda, Spencer, and Elijah, and two grandchildren, Jackson and Grace. His son Spencer expressed gratitude for the community’s support and remembered his father as a great man in a Facebook post following Dempsey’s death.