Nothing in the world surpassed his love for his wife and children. Dennis was a loving father and husband, a supportive friend, and a bona fide gentleman. He taught us many things; for instance, he stressed the significance of a proper Fourth of July celebration featuring fireworks, a small town parade, and homemade ice cream. He emphasized the importance one should place on selecting a Halloween costume (be creative, don’t procrastinate, don’t repeat). He was on a quest to have the world’s most impressive selection of Dad jokes.
He was impatient with himself, patient with others. He preferred the shadows rather than the spotlight, but when the occasion warranted he could easily command a room with one of his passionate, inspiring, fast paced speeches. He loved many places, particularly the mountains, the beach, and Friday nights on the back porch. He thought building sandcastles should be a competitive endeavor, and he was looking forward to perfecting his recipe for the classic Vieux Carre.
Dennis was born in Detroit, MI. His love for Detroit and its sports teams never wavered. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Communications & Public Relations. He loved the Vols and the Smoky Mountains, but Michigan’s “The Victors” always remained his favorite fight song.
His interests included history (reading it and debating it), travel, and live music. His most enjoyable times were when he could share his kids’ interests, and that completely held true regardless of their ages or his skill.
Dennis is survived by his wife Rebecca and their children Chloe and Nicholas. Additional survivors are brother, Larry (Liz), Johnson City, TN; sister, Rita (Bill), Southfield, MI; sister- in- law, JoAnn, Lincoln Park, MI; sister- in- law, Martha Doss, Lafayette, TN; wonderful nieces and nephews; and a collection of loving, beautiful friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Jerry.
At the time of his death Dennis was Executive Director of Nicholas House, Inc. He led NHI’s board, staff, and volunteers in a quest to help homeless families become self-sufficient. In addition to his work, he was a dedicated community leader on social issues – particularly those impacting families. He was an advisor in numerous capacities – working on the city of Atlanta’s Strategic Planning Committee, serving on the DeKalb Continuum of Care Planning board, and consulting with other policy teams that helped structure Georgia’s evolving resolutions to homelessness and familial stability.
As well as Dennis’ leadership in the not-for-profit arena, his work included leading marketing and communication teams at a national health agency and work in the corporate and consulting sectors. He held membership in several marketing association groups and civic organizations, was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist church, and enjoyed several years as a Scoutmaster with Troop 1011 in East Cobb.
All are invited to the Memorial Service at H.M. Patterson & Son, Canton Hill, in East Cobb on Saturday, September 25 at 1:00 PM. Visitation with friends will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please do something kind in Dennis’ honor, “do a good turn”, or take a friend to lunch.
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