Dennis Button Haskins, IV

Chattanooga lost one of its more famous former residents from the entertainment world when Dennis Haskins died Sept. 27 in California at the age of 75, following a battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Mr. Haskins attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, Class of 1968. Mr. Haskins later went on to briefly attend the University of Tennessee before coming back to UTC and trying to play basketball. He was also in Kappa Sigma fraternity and was in drama programs while at UTC. Mr. Haskins had managerial and booking experience with musical acts including Overland Express as well as other nationally known entertainers.

Mr. Haskins had been introduced to acting by his basketball coach at UTC, who asked him to enroll, thinking it would be an easy grade. “What he didn’t know is that all I ever wanted to do is act,” he said.

His first break as a professional actor was playing a bit part of Elmo Smith in the television program, “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

In 1980, Mr. Haskins moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue a professional acting career. Other works included appearances in Archie Bunker’s Place, Hardcastle and McCormic, Magnum, P.I. and Good Morning, Miss Bliss where he played Mr. Richard Belding. Mr. Haskins is probably best known for playing the part of Principal Belding in the American sitcom, Saved by the Bell which aired on NBC from 1989 to 1993. He went on to star in spinoffs of Saved by the Bell and many other television works. Mr. Haskins most recently worked with Betty White in “Hot in Cleveland” and Charlize Theron in “A Million Ways to Die in The West.”

He made a number of recordings for albums, CDs and DVDs. He was a big fan of Karaoke and had always loved to sing along to his favorite tunes. He recorded an album titled, "Karaoke with Your Favorite Principal, Dennis Haskins, aka. Mr. Belding." In 2016, Mr. Haskins was inducted into the Chattanooga Music Hall of Fame for his early contributions in the Chattanooga Live Music scene. A list of Mr. Haskins’ music and entertainment highlights include: Social chairman Kappa Sigma fraternity, UTC Entertainment committee, UTC Entertainment chairman (3 years), National Entertainment Conference Southeast Board (NECAA now NACA), Battle of the Bands @ National Guard Armory, Concerts in the Park - Engel Stadium, Dennis Haskins Presents, Blood, Sweat, and Tears - Memorial Auditorium, Ike and Tina Turner – UTC, The Spinners – UTC, The James Gang - Memorial Auditorium, Leon Russell - Engel Stadium, • Overland Express (Artist Manager), Canyon Band (Artist Manager), • Tracy Sesler and Diane Scannell (Artist Manager), Cheyenne (Knoxville band) Artist Manager, Humor – booking agent, Charlie Daniels - at Concerts in the Park - Joe Sullivan, Charlie Daniels special appearance at Yesterday's with Overland Express through Joe Sullivan and Ben Jumper.

Mr. Haskins was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Button Haskins, III; mother, Veneta Yarbrough Haskins; Step-mother, Pamela Haskins; brother, Terry Haskins; step-brother, Rodney Bowman.

Survivors include his brother, Timothy Harold Haskins; Niece, Julie Haskins; great-nephew, Alex Haskins; along with several nieces and nephews; step-brothers, Charlie Bowman and Tim Bowman; cousin, Steve Wilson (Sheree) along with many other cousins.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, TN. A memorial mass will be held at 11 AM Friday, November 13, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 501 South Moore Road, East Ridge, TN with Father Mike Nolan officiating.

Burial will be private.

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