Dempsey Lee Ward

Dempsey Lee aka D.L.Ward, Jr. was born in Los Angeles,, CA to the parents of Barbara Ward and Dempsey Lee Ward, Sr. on July 14, 1971. He attended Inglewood High School and graduated from Washington Prep High School. He went on to earn his Associate Degree in Management from Southwest College. He gave his life to Christ and was baptized by the late eminent Dr. Lonnie Dawson, Pastor of New Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, and Compton, CA at the early age of 12 years old. He sang in the youth choir and participated in the youth outreach programs. D.L. achieved an award from the Inglewood police department for his heroic stand against gang violence when he testified in open court, unafraid, when he was assaulted and robbed. After that time he was placed in the Inglewood police department cadet program. He also earned honors at Washington Prep High School for 3 years of service in the ROTC program. As a young man D.L. was nicknamed Guy and because of his unique talent to logically decipher complex issue and persuasiveness that lured you into his way of thinking his mind process was deemed “GuyLogic” D.L. began his work experience at the age of 15 years old when a store manager recognized his talents, skills and ability to communicate at a mature level of understanding, organize and delegate work assignments. From that point D.L.’s career began to soar. He started at Mervyn’s department store where he swiftly moved up in rank to management and then moved to Marie Callendar’s Restaurant and earned his title as restaurateur. He relocated to Oklahoma City, OK and remained in Oklahoma until he encountered something he could not talk his way out of, an Oklahoma tornado. While on the phone with his mother as the tornado raged D.L. stated “I’m not Dorothy and I do not have a dog name Toto and I am not trying to see the wiz, I am out of here!” One month later D.L. found himself in San Antonio, TX where he continued his work history working for Starbucks. D.L.’s infectious smile, laughter and joy shall remain with us forever. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751, 407-695-CARE (2273).

Dempsey Lee Ward

July 14, 1971 - February 16, 2012