Connell Ray Dennis

Connell Ray Dennis, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away in his home on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at the age of 80. Born December 18, 1928, in Ranger, Texas, Mr. Dennis loved his years as a cowboy in west Texas, working alongside his great uncles and his grandfather who nick named him "Cono". In the mid-1940s, he joined the U. S. Army/Air Force in San Antonio, Texas. He became an amateur boxer for the army and later was responsible for the daily physical training of over 10, 000 men. At the age of 18 he was a Master Sergeant when he met Amelia Eckhardt, the love of his life. They were married on June 27, 1948. That same year, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis moved to Austin where he began work in the restaurant supply business. He later became a successful insurance and real estate agent and then a Travis County Sheriff's Deputy. Later in life he worked for the Texas Department of Water Resources in education and certification until his retirement. During his life he was a member of the Civitan Club and Elks Lodge, and was a Shriner. After retiring as a state employee, Mr. Dennis traveled extensively with his wife throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and the U. S. They were married 60 years. Mr. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Wayne and Elnora Dennis, and his beloved wife Amelia, who died in June, 2008. As per his wishes, Ray requested it be said he died of a broken heart. He is survived by his sister, Delma Jean Clayton of Springlake, Texas; his daughters, Patricia Dennis Witherspoon and husband, John of El Paso and Carolyn Dennis-Willingham and husband, John of Austin. He is also survived by his grandchildren, of whom he was very proud: Terence Dennis Witherspoon, and his wife Jenniffer; Lawrence Andrew Witherspoon; Russell Dennis Willingham, and Jonica Lynn Willingham. The family wishes to thank Stella Hernandez and her dog "Star" for their devoted care of their father, and mother, as well as caregivers Edward Trevino and Carey Deninger, Southern Care Hospice, and family friend, Rev. Miranda Fontaine. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, North Lamar location. Funeral services will be at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home on Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m. (the date of Ray and Amelia's wedding anniversary). Private burial will be in Austin Memorial Park. Pallbearers will include Terence Witherspoon, Andrew Witherspoon, Russell Willingham, and honorary pallbearer, Jonica Willingham. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (www.prostatecancerfoundation.org) As most who knew him would say, "He was quite a character." Ray "Cono" Dennis, a man of his word…