Dennis Worley passed away on December 25, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was a member of Gaston Baptist Church. Though his career was in education, he remained a lifelong student with a wide range of interests from history to pop culture. He enjoyed photography, riding the back roads, and traveling, but he was most content at home with a good book. He was a man of few words but a sharp, quick wit.
Dennis’s first job was working on his family’s dairy farm, milking cows before and after school. He loved riding horses and was an avid horse trainer. During college, he drove an 18-wheeler with his father; his CB handle was “The Professor.” After graduating from his undergraduate studies, he went on to complete both his master’s degree and his educational specialist’s degree, all at the University of Mississippi.
He met the love of his life in high school and married her during college. After his graduation, they returned to Booneville where they made their home for the next 55 years.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Nelvin and Avanelle Worley, his father-in-law Emit McGaughy, his mother-in-law Clare McGaughy, his brother-in-law Roy White, niece Sarah Keele and nephew Stephen Keele.
He is survived by his wife, Dot McGaughy Worley, his daughter Allison Worley and son-in-law Bradley Hooper, his brother Phil Worley, sister-in-law Cissy Worley,Evelyn White,Helen Bryant (Rick) nephews Cal Worley and Jeff White (Stephanie), niece Rachel Boothe (Michael), several cousins, two great-nieces,one great nephew and several special friends.
Visitation will be at Gaston Baptist Church on Sunday, December 28th, from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm. The funeral will be at Gaston Baptist Church on Monday, December 29th, at 2:00 pm. Services will conclude at the church. Dennis will be interred in the Gaston Cemetery.
Pallbearers are the Gaston Deacons.
Honorary pallbearers are Barry Cox, Gary Breedlove, Bill Barnett, David Moore, Dexter Long and Cal Worley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Gaston Baptist Church Building Fund. McMillan Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com.
