Dallas Christopher Dennis

Dallas lived a life rooted in faith, family, and music, leaving a legacy of service, generosity, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Dallas Christopher Dennis was born on August 6, 1960, in Portland, Oregon, to Louis Gene Dennis and Leevonure Dennis. In 1962, he joyfully welcomed his baby sister, Terri Lynn Dennis, beginning a lifelong bond that remained one of his greatest blessings.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Louis Gene Dennis, who served as a Minister of Music, Dallas developed a love for music at an early age. At 13 years old, he began playing at Williams Temple Church of God in Christ, now Walker Temple Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Mack L. Walker Sr. He faithfully served Walker Temple COGIC as Minister of Music for many years, ministering through song until the Lord called him home. In October 2021, he was ordained as a deacon and elevated to serve on the Walker Temple COGIC Trustee Board. Throughout his years of service, he remained a devoted and faithful servant, using his gifts to glorify God and bless others.

Dallas graduated from Madison High School with the Class of 1978. The following year, in 1979, Dallas met the love of his life, Paula DePass, and they were united in marriage on October 8, 1982. Together they welcomed two daughters, Jenéa Devonne Dennis and Shardé Marie Dennis. Although their marriage later ended, Dallas maintained a close and loving relationship with his former in-laws. He continued to share holidays, birthdays, and family celebrations with them, and the deep bond they shared was evident as several of his in-laws stood by his side during his final days.

Music was more than Dallas’s gift—it was his ministry. A gifted organist, songwriter, composer, and teacher, he inspired countless lives through his music. One of his greatest joys was accompanying his daughters, The Dennis Sisters, on the organ and watching them grow in their own musical gifts.

Dallas’s love for cooking began at a young age while working at his godparents’ restaurant, Smith’s Soul Kitchen, owned by Avie Smith (“Smitty”) and Fonzy Smith (“Man”). His first job was prepping the greens. As his skills grew, he was entrusted with preparing the sausage and eventually earned the responsibility of baking the restaurant’s beloved peach cobbler. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for cooking. Dallas became especially known for his homemade peach cobblers and pound cakes, and no family gathering felt complete without someone asking him to bring one—or both. His delicious desserts, prepared with love, became a treasured tradition that brought family and friends together.

For 35 years, Dallas faithfully served his community through his work with Safeway, Fred Meyer, and Portland Public Schools. Whether assisting customers, supporting students, or encouraging coworkers, he approached every role with integrity, compassion, and kindness. He retired on October 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service, strong work ethic, and lasting impact.

Nothing brought Dallas greater joy than his family. He was a devoted father who intentionally created lasting memories with his daughters through monthly father-and-daughter dates, concerts, shared meals, family road trips, and countless everyday moments. Whether traveling together or simply enjoying time with one another, he cherished every opportunity to laugh, share stories, listen to music, and create unforgettable memories. Through his example, he taught his daughters the importance of family, and unconditional love while passing on his lifelong passion for music.

Dallas also treasured being a grandfather to Adrian Dennis-Bell and Jaylen Tirado. He loved attending hockey games, cheering them on in all they pursued, and celebrating every milestone in their lives. He took great pride in Adrian and never missed an opportunity to watch him coach basketball or celebrate his accomplishments. His greatest joy was simply being present, offering his love, encouragement, and support to his grandsons.

Dallas was a devoted son who lovingly cared for his mother in her later years. He gave his time, energy, and love freely, serving her with patience, kindness, and a grateful heart.

Known for his signature brim hats and impeccable sense of style, Dallas had a gift for making people smile. His quick wit, crooked smile, and infectious humor could brighten any room. He also became his sister's personal shopper, delighting in helping her look her best with outfits chosen with his trademark style and generosity.

Dallas leaves to cherish his memory: his daughters, Jenéa Dennis and Shardé Dennis; his grandsons, Adrian Dennis-Bell and Jaylen Tirado; his mother, Leevonure Dennis; his sister, Terri Goldsby; his former wife, Paula DePass Dennis; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, students, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Gene Dennis; his mother-in-law, Sonja Marie Brooks; his brother-in-law, David DePass; and his beloved godparents, Avie Smith ("Smitty") and Fonzy Smith ("Man").

Dallas faced his final journey with unwavering faith and quiet strength. Surrounded by his daughters, grandsons, sister, and his former wife, he never faced the journey alone. Throughout his illness, he relied on his sister's nursing skills and would simply say, "Ask my sister." Together, his family honored his wishes, advocated for his care, and remained by his side.

As my sister and I prepared to leave the hospital that evening, we leaned over, kissed our dad, told him we loved him, and said, “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

With complete peace and assurance, Dad simply replied, “You won’t see me tomorrow. I’m going to church.”

At the time, we did not fully understand what he meant. The following afternoon, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Dallas Christopher Dennis peacefully went home to be with the Lord.

Only then did we understand that our father was not speaking about an earthly church. He was preparing for eternal worship with his Savior. His heart was fixed, his mind was made up, and he finished his race with a faith that never wavered.

Dallas leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, music, service, generosity, laughter, and love. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that his earthly song has become a heavenly melody, and by God’s grace, one glorious day we will hear it again.

“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.”

— Psalm 57:7