Phil Dennis

Phillip Malcolm Dennis entered this world on August 28, 1953, the same day Preston and Pearolee Dennis, pastors of a church in Independence, Louisiana, adopted him into their loving, Christian family. He departed this life from his home in Rogers, Arkansas, into the arms of Jesus on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, a true Resurrection Day. Phil’s life overflowed with an abundance of gifts and exciting interests. At the age of five, his parents moved to Arkansas, recognized his musical talents, and provided him with classical piano and organ training which led to playing in his parents’ church, as well as numerous later positions of leading worship in churches, even playing at the Presidential Inauguration of Bill Clinton.

Always a lover of architecture and design, he majored in English at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, but never graduated because he could not stand the thought of having to give a required public speech. Even when leading large choirs or playing piano before crowds, he was most comfortable hidden behind a large palm or screen. From 1971 to 1974, Phil served in the United States Army. Trained at Fort Polk, he was a computer programmer at the Pentagon, a sharpshooter, and the best in his platoon, later stationed in Germany. It was on the Autobahn that he developed his love of cars, fascinated with their speed, mechanics, and design. He especially loved his 1976 Classic BMW 2002, 1981 Mercedes 300 CD Coupe, and a 1986 Alpha Romeo Spider. Phil was married to his soulmate, Christie Attaway Dennis, for twenty-seven years. They shared the love of many things together, including road trips. From the spontaneous exploration of back county dirt roads in a Jeep to long cross-country excursions, they would take off with joy and a sense of adventure. Both Phil and Christie were adept at transforming ordinary small spaces into places of exquisite beauty. He could take an Airstream Trailer and turn it into the Taj Mahal. And he’d somehow always find room for his beloved Steinway! Perhaps the one area where they differed was Christie’s disdain for shopping, so he delighted in being her personal shopper. Everyone who knew Phil loved his quick wit and mildly caustic sense of humor. He could find something of joy in nearly every situation. He even became the darling of the oncology nurses throughout months of treatment, injecting laughter into the most awkward situations. Phil was so multi-talented that he excelled in a variety of jobs over the years. He owned two successful hair salons in El Dorado, Arkansas, and renovated homes in several states. He served as worship leader in several churches, including being Pastor of Worship and Creative Arts at Christ Anglican Church in Mobile, Alabama. Phil never hesitated to pick up and move or turn in another direction if he heard God’s voice. His trust and reliance on Him were as much a part of his life as his other many talents. He had a knack for researching subjects that interested him until he became an expert. In his last months he was as excited as a kid researching and planning the production of a new Christian podcast because he sensed God’s inspiration. At eleven o’clock Friday, April 14 there will be a celebration of Phil’s life at Hunt Chapel, Rogers, Arkansas.

Because “one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day,” we’ll see you in about fifteen minutes, Phil.