Dennis Jarvis McCrary Jr.

Dennis Jarvis McCrary, Jr., age 76, went to heaven early in the morning on May 14, 2025, as his heart softly faded under the touch of his daughter, Summer’s hand. She had his heart. It was a moment that we will always remember.

If you knew Dennis, you immediately sensed strength. In fact, his wife often referred to him as a cornerstone. A foundation that could not be moved, no matter what! (well, unless you were a grandchild)

Dennis was most known for his care of his son, Chad, for 51 years….”his purpose in life”, he would humbly tell you with love. Certainly a role that very few would take the responsibility for, but it was not only a priority, but a joy for him.

Dennis spent his work career at Bernhardt Furniture, as a design engineer. A commitment to his strong work ethics and 42 and half years of dedicated service. It was here that he first saw a young lady walking down the sidewalk, as he viewed from his office window, as she had just left from an interview to be hired there. He said to his co-worker, “Mitch, I just saw the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, and one day, I am going to marry her”! And after 2 years of “trying” to “get a date”, with a continuous response of “I don’t date people I work with”…..it was evident their union had been divinely aligned. And they married in 1988.

Despite the setbacks from multiple surgeries and the inability to walk and enjoy the things that brought him joy, like his horses, hunting, and working in the yard, he never lost the hope that he would do those things again. He fought like no one could imagine.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis McCrary, Sr. and Charlotte Summerlin McCrary, brother, Robert Eugene (Gene) McCrary, and his son, Chad McCrary. Left with his memories are his wife, Carolyn Gatewood McCrary; daughter, Summer Ritchie; daughter through love, Shanna Rogers; granddaughters, Rylei and Peightyn Ritchie; grandson, Justin Fuller and wife Kayla; great grandchildren, Addilynn, Everly and Grayson Fuller; sister, Gail Warren; brother, Charles McCrary and wife, Sharon; sister, Barbara Penley; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 16th beginning at 3:30 PM with service following at 5:00 PM at Pendry’s Funeral Home, 522 Wilkesboro Blvd NE, Lenoir, NC. Graveside service will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kings Creek Fire Dept, a group of committed first responders and firemen who have shown up so many times to help us over the last three years, or Amorem Hospice, who have been with us at home the last week of his life, with incredible commitment, love and compassion.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dennis Jarvis McCrary, Jr.