DEMPSEY ROBERT SAPP Sr.

SAPP SR., DEMPSEY ROBERT, 94
Dempsey Robert Sapp Sr. of New River, FL passed away March 25, 2016. He was born in New River, in Bradford County Florida. He was the son of the late Ethan Allen Sapp and Mable Crews Sapp. He graduated from Bradford County high School in 1940. He was a veteran of World War II U.S. Navy. One of Dempsey's most cherished memories was meeting Margie Reece Beckham who he married September 17, 1943. After serving in the Navy he attended the University of Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Agriculture. On September 5th, 1949 he opened the doors of Florida Pest Control & Chemical Co. in Gainesville Florida which is still family owned and one of the largest pest control companies in the Nation. He was Chairman Emeritus until his death.
He was a pioneer of the pest control industry He was appointed to the State Pest Control Commission for a three year term by Governor Leroy Collins in 1959 and appointed to another 3 year term by Governor C. Farris Bryant in 1964. He was a member of the Entomological Society of America, the Florida Entomological Society and the Newell entomological Society. He was a Mason, a Shriner, and an Elk, Past President and member of the Florida Pest Management Association, member of the National Pest Management Association, member of the Gainesville Exchange Club, The Honor Society of Agriculture Gamma Sigma Delta, University of Florida Honor Society Alpha Zeta, Lifetime member of the Navy League, Lifetime member of the NRA, served on the BOD for the Atlantic National Bank in Gainesville, and was selected for the distinguished Alumnus Award of the University of Florida.
Mr. Sapp was a very benevolent person; he gave generously to the University of Florida and established the Distinguished Endowed Professorship in Structural Pest Control and Urban Entomology. Other organizations he admired and contributed to were Florida United Methodist Children's Home, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Advent Christian Village, and the Salvation Army.
He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Gainesville. He was an avid hunter, especially wild turkeys, fisherman, farmer, cattleman, gardener, loved the outdoors and traveling. He traveled to all 50 states in the U.S. He was a devoted Gator fan, attended Gator football games for fifty years.
Mr. Sapp is survived by, His Loving wife of 72 years, Margie Beckham Sapp. Daughters Wanda Kay (Don) Frowick of Tierra Verde, Fl., Angelia (Don) Dickey of Knoxville, TN., Son D.R. (Diane) Sapp Jr. of New River, Fl. 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, Sister Cozette Laslo of Annapolis, MD.
The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 826 Northwest 23rd Avenue Gainesville, Florida 32609.
Mr. Sapp was preceded in death by brothers, Pete Sapp, E. Leslie Sapp, his sisters Betty Jean Sapp, Novis Ward, his daughter Deborah Wise and great grandchild Sophia Zoe Wise.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday morning March 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM in the Wesley United Methodist Church in Gainesville with the Rev. Harry H. Holloman officiating. A visitation of Family and Friends will began at 10:00AM until the service begins at 11:00AM. Arrangements are under the care of Archer Funeral Home of Lake Butler. 386-496-2008.