Dennis Lee Walker

Born in Chattanooga, Dennis spent his childhood between the ridges of Ooltewah, Tennessee, and Fort Worth, Texas. He never forgot where he came from and was proud of his roots, his family, and the life he made for himself.

For more than 50 years, Dennis made his living behind the wheel of a truck, spending more than 35 of those years with Clean Harbors before retiring. Known to his fellow truckers by his CB handle, "Copperhead," Dennis traveled countless miles, from long hauls across the country to familiar roads closer to home. There was something about the freedom of the open road that suited him. He loved the traveling, the people, and the friendships that came with it. And although he eventually retired, he never really stopped being a truck driver. It was part of who he was, and he was mighty proud of it.

When he wasn't talking about trucks, there was a good chance Dennis was talking about motorcycles or old cars. He loved his Harley-Davidsons, took particular pride in his 1957 Ford Custom, and never passed up a good car show. For years, the Rod Run in Pigeon Forge was a favorite, but as time went on, he was just as happy wherever a few old cars and their owners happened to gather. The cars might have brought him there, but it was usually the people who kept him talking.

And Dennis could talk.

He had a story for just about everything, a joke for nearly every occasion, and a way of turning an ordinary conversation into something worth remembering. He could be loud, funny, and stubborn, sometimes all in the same conversation. You never quite knew what was going to come out of his mouth, but you could count on it being unmistakably Dennis. He loved a good laugh, especially when it came from something completely unexpected. He rarely met a stranger, and if he did, chances are they weren't strangers for long. For all his joking and carrying on, Dennis had a genuinely kind heart and rarely had an unkind word to say about anyone.

For all the places he traveled and the people he knew, family was always at the heart of Dennis's life. He and his wife, Iva Standridge Walker, shared 54 years of marriage and built a family he loved and took tremendous pride in. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin who valued the closeness of his family and the ties that kept them together. His sons were a tremendous source of pride, and he loved the family that grew around them. To his nieces and nephews, he was affectionately known as "Uncle Dink," a name that held its own special meaning. And while Dennis loved his family dearly, there was something especially wonderful about being a grandfather. He absolutely adored his grandson, Donavyn. Whether he was Pop, Papaw, or Uncle Dink, being part of his family meant something special to him.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Iva Standridge Walker; his sons, Keith Walker (Danny Tullier) and David Walker (Christine Walker); his grandson, Donavyn Walker; his brother, Gary Walker; his sister and brother-in-law, Sheila and Donald Caylor; his sister-in-law, Pat Walker Smith; his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike Standridge and Tony and Dee Standridge; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde (J.L.) and Wilma Walker; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Junior and Willie Standridge; his brother, Mickey Ray Walker; and his sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Herman Williams.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, November 7, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, on Old Lee Highway.

A celebration of Dennis's life will follow on Saturday, November 7, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel, with Jason Ollis officiating. Interment will follow at Lee Cemetery in McDonald, TN.

As a special tribute to Dennis, the family invites those attending his celebration of life to ride their Harley-Davidsons – weather permitting – or drive their classic cars and trucks in his honor. Few things brought Dennis more joy than the rumble of a Harley, the sight of an old car, or the company of those who shared his passions. Seeing them gathered together one last time in his honor would mean a tremendous amount to his family. It would be a fitting farewell to a man who meant so much to so many.

Serving as pallbearers will be Donavyn Walker, Clint Walker Williams, Brayden Caylor, Scott White, Eddie Kesley, and Jeff Raines.

Those who knew Dennis will miss the conversations, the jokes, and the laughter that so often followed wherever he went. His family will miss all of that, too, but most of all, they'll miss simply having him here.

Dennis spent more than 50 years traveling the highways, meeting people and making friends wherever the road took him. And while those miles are now behind him, the stories will continue to be told, the friendships will remain, and the love he had for his family will never be forgotten.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.