Dennis Warren Easterling

Dennis was born at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 14, 1949. He was the son of James Edwin Easterling, Jr, and Cornelia Staton Easterling, both of whom preceded him in death. Dennis passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, following a year long battle with lung cancer.

Dennis graduated from Garinger High School in Charlotte, and attended the University of South Carolina and UNC-Charlotte, where he was actively involved in student government. From an early age, Dennis had a passion for entertainment and music. He formed his own bands and had the opportunity to play backup to several prominent soul artists of the time.

Later in life, Dennis owned and operated his own painting and wall papering business until injuries he sustained during his career eventually prevented him from continuing the work he enjoyed.

Dennis was well known for his corny sense of humor, quick wit, and the ability to bring laughter to those around him. He was always the life of the party and had a special way of making people feel welcome. One thing he was really famous for in Charlotte was being known as the "Billboard Man." He camped out on a billboard on Independence Blvd in Charlotte in December 1991 until the Charlotte Hornets won 2 basketball games in a row. He was up there 35 days. People, to this day, still refer to him as "The Billboard Man."

Family was especially important to Dennis. He proudly followed his nephews, Jeff and Adam, throughout their sporting careers, and later enjoyed watching and supporting their children in all of their activities.

Dennis is survived by his brother, Jim Easterling and his wife, Kaye, of Chapin, SC; nephews, Jeff Easterling and his wife, Emily of Fort Mill, SC and Adam Easterling and his wife, Lisette of Simpsonville, SC; his great-nieces and great-nephews, James Easterling, Mary Margaret Easterling, Ella Jane Jones, Evan Easterling, Banks Easterling, Luke Jones, Russell Easterling, Grant Easterling, and Katelyn Easterling.

A service celebrating Dennis' life will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, September 12, 2026 in the chapel of McEwen Funerals and Cremations at Forest Lawn West, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC. Condolences may be submitted at www.forestlawnwest.com