Joseph Louis Dennis

Joseph Louis Dennis passed into the arms of Jesus on May 27, 2026, at the age of 93 - just 23 days shy of his birthday. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky to John Ezra (Jack) Dennis and Emma Elizabeth Logsdon Dennis on June 19, 1932. The youngest of five, and the only son, he was raised in a home where faith and hard work were taught by example.

He spent his first thirteen years in Louisville, KY. The family then moved to Grayson County, KY to a farm. Tractors were not easily available at that time due to WWII, and dad learned to plow with a horse team, Trixie and Maude.

He graduated from Caneyville High School and began attending Western State College (University). After he ran out of money, he allowed himself to be drafted into the Army to help fund his education through the GI Bill, which incidentally ended in 1956 one year prior to his separation from armed services. As was his fashion, he rolled with this disappointment and upon his return to Louisville began a long career at General Electric Appliance Park, retiring in 1991.

In February of 1958, while visiting his sister in a hospital in Lexington, he met his wife who was a nursing student. They began dating that April and they were married on August 8, 1958. They spent the next 67 plus years together in the same home they moved into as newlyweds.

Joe built a life centered on his faith in Jesus Christ, hard work and a deep love for his entire family. Being the youngest of five he had a lot of opportunities to love his many nieces and nephews and their progeny. He demonstrated the value of patience and showing up when needed. He exemplified the principal of everything is “figure-out-able”, and he did so before the internet. He took many classes offered at GE in electrical and computers. He took this knowledge and completed work for both of his children in their homes.

He was active in his children’s lives. He was assistant scout leader in his son’s boy scout troop and went on many campouts and hikes, including the great hike in 1972 at the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico. While he had a canoe, he took his daughter many years on her birthday to McNeely Lake to fish and to “chase ducks”.

He began karate training simply because his son desired to; his daughter joined them. He lasted years longer than either of them winning many trophies and plaques in karate tournaments and was one belt away from black belt when his physical condition required him to find an easier way to stay fit. This came in the form of exercise classes in the pool at the YMCA. As a man who had four big sisters, he was very comfortable usually being the only man in the pool.

His love of the outdoors can be seen in his collection of fishing poles, and orange hunting apparel. He had much joy in making memories with his children and grandchildren while they shared his adventures.

Joe was a life-long member of Hiawatha Missionary Baptist Church and was an ordained Southern Missionary Baptist preacher. He was privileged to be the preacher at his son’s wedding, as well as his grandson’s wedding.

He lived a life embracing the Great Commission of Matthew 28. Whether it was from the pulpit, assembly line, karate class, swimming pool, neighborhood or family gathering, all knew where his faith rested and on whom he trusted. He desired all he met to know Jesus and follow him into heaven. Even while being confined to a hospital/rehab center’s bed multiple times over the years, he shared the love of Christ and exemplified the same.

Joe leaves behind to miss him terribly his wife, of almost 68 years, Barbara Jean Ryles Dennis, his two children Donald Dennis (Lisa), and Tammy Wright (Butch). His five grandchildren Emily Parks (Travis), Dennis Wright (Ariele), Joseph Dennis (Jessica), Jessica Wright, and Trevor Wright, USMC. He was also blessed with ten great grandchildren. May his legacy of faith, love, and devotion continue in the lives of all who loved him.

Visitation will be held at Evergreen Funeral Home in Louisville, Kentucky on June 1, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and again on June 2, 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.

A Funeral Service will take place at Evergreen Funeral Home in Louisville, Kentucky on June 2, 2026, beginning at 11:00AM. He will be buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.