Dennie Fordham

Dennie Ray Fordham, 70, of Houston, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Born May 23, 1955, in Sarasota, Florida, Dennie passed away after a courageous battle with ALS. He was the youngest of seven children and a beloved son of Carris and Edna Fordham. Raised in a family rooted in faith and hard work, Dennie lived a life of service, love, and devotion.

A proud veteran, Dennie served in the United States Navy as an underwater Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, clearing over 200 World War II-era mines in Sicily and Italy. He also dedicated his life to law enforcement, working as a deputy, corrections officer, and police officer, earning respect for his courage and integrity. Dennie’s faith guided him through the challenges of his career, and he never wavered in his commitment to doing what was right.

Dennie married the love of his life, America, on September 18, 1977, and together they shared nearly 50 years of marriage built on shared values, patience, and unwavering love. He was a devoted father to Maria Elena and a proud grandfather to Ana Maria.

Dennie is survived by his loving family: wife, America, of Houston; daughter, Maria Elena Kaczmarek (Tony), of Houston; granddaughter, Ana Maria; sister, Donna Fordham Brock-Rankin, of Dayton, Ohio; brother, Jack Fordham (Pat) of Gainesville, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Maria Ramos, of Houston, and Carmen Suarez (Rolando), of Bruneau, Idaho; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dennie is preceded in death by his parents, Carris and Edna Fordham; brothers, Parker Summerlin, C.L. Fordham; sisters, Bonnie Hollingsworth, and Betty Hartnup.

Dennie’s legacy is one of strength, kindness, and selflessness. He touched countless lives with his humor, wisdom, and steadfast dedication to those he loved. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will forever cherish the example he set and the love he gave so freely. May he rest in eternal peace.

Services to honor Dennie’s life will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. Visitation will take place from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Dennie’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Dennie’s honor to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), supporting their mission to improve the lives of veterans and their families.

A small graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4207 E. Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610, where Dennie will be laid to rest.