Dennis Ray Myers

Dennis was a friend to all, and always greeted everyone with a hearty “Howdy.” Friends and family knew they could always depend on Dennis, and that certainty was only outdone by his willingness to help out a friend in need.

Born in Woodlake on July 21, 1949, Dennis grew up with six siblings, and would fondly recall story after story of his adventures with them “out in the sticks.” One of his daughters’ favorites included him driving the family truck into the side of the house at a young age and then casually trying to walk away as if nothing had happened before he was questioned about it.

At the age of 19, Dennis was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. During his deployment, he bravely risked his own relative safety during heavy combat with hostile enemy fire to assist his injured fellow comrades. He was awarded the Army’s Commendation Medal of Heroism and a Purple Heart for his service.

In 1981, Dennis founded Central Valley Testing, a soils and environmental engineering firm. He started his company with little, and leaves behind a successful firm with over 35 years of service throughout the Central Valley.

Dennis was a loving Papa to his six grandchildren and lit up whenever he saw them. He loved sitting back in his chair and rocking his grandkids or watching the Dallas Cowboys or NASCAR. He looked forward to hosting his annual Hackers golf tournament and kicking back with his friends and fellow American Legion members. He also loved a great pair of cowboy boots.

Dennis will be remembered for his gifted storytelling, his mile-wide smile and wholehearted laughter.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Veronica; his brothers: Tim of Jerome, Idaho, Darrell of Visalia, and Roger of Oregon; his five children: Casey Myers of Exeter, Kelly Ray Myers of Springville, Kimberly Nickols of Sacramento, Tiffany Montooth of Visalia, and Stacey Myers of Fresno; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Dorthy Myers, his brothers David and Dale, and sister Cheryl Merriweather.

Visitation will take place this Wednesday from 4-7pm at Miller’s Memorial Chapel in Visalia. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 11:00am at Neighborhood Church in Visalia, followed by graveside services at Visalia Public Cemetery.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.