Gary Robert Dennis

Gary Robert Dennis, age 66 passed Wednesday August 4, 2021at his home in Cleveland, TN., surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Bridgeport, Ala. and was raised in South Pittsburgh, TN. where he graduated from South Pittsburg High School. He stood out as a scholar as well as a baseball player. He also enjoyed playing in a band with his high school friends. He attended East Tennessee State University and received certification and endorsement from TVA as a nuclear plant operator, where he worked for over 29 years. Gary was very active in many community projects in Cleveland, TN, and served as a commissioner on the Cleveland Planning Commission. He was a very active member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, where he was lay pastor, taught many Sunday School classes, and was over the feeding program at the church. He also led bible study at the Cleveland Summit. He was a member of the Cleveland, TN Kiwanis, and a member of the Omega Psi Pi fraternity. He was also an avid drone flyer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George Gilliam, Jr., and Tommie Lee Knox Dennis, son Corey Dennis, brother Samuel R. Dennis III, brothers-in-law, Clarence Donohoo, and Timothy Donohoo.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 47 years, Valerie Denise Donohoo Dennis of Cleveland, TN., and his children, Shannon(Cornelius) Stewart of Cleveland, TN., Sakima Dennis, Adasha Dennis, and Christian Dennis all of Cleveland, TN. Two grandchildren, Malik and Rashad Stewart. Brothers, and sisters,  James K. (Patricia) Dennis of Lawton, OK, Dale A. (Nelma) Dennis of Duluth, GA. Sherman Dennis of Antioch, TN, Deborah Johnson of Jasper, TN., Alicia D. Dennis (Bernard James) of Jasper, TN., and Karin E. (William) Hudson of Jasper, TN. One aunt, Alice L. (Walter)  Officer Sr. of South Pittsburg, TN. Sisters-in-law Karen Miller, and Dale Donohoo. Brother-in-law, Dwight (Debbie) Donohoo. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Sunday, August 8, 2021 the family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. est. until 4:00 p.m. est. at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Peerless Rd. Cleveland, TN.  The Celebration of life service will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Senior Pastor, Ramon Torres delivering the eulogy. Interment will be Monday, August 9, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.est. at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens 3076 Main Street Jasper, TN .

The family request that mask be worn, and social distancing be observed.

M.D. Dotson & Sons Funeral Home will continue to be in compliance with  COVID-19, mask are required at all times, and we will monitor for social distancing .