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Dennis Davis Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Davis
Sponsored by Joy Davis Philpott, Sister, [email protected].
Always the picture of calm.
Joy Philpott
August 3, 2020
Remembering my little brother.
Dennis with Jessica
Joy Philpott
August 8, 2008
From Jessica
Daddy's anniversary is this week. I thought that it would be nice instead of being sad on that day, if we took that opportunity to celebrate him and his life! I would like you to take a few minutes and write about a memory that you had with Daddy.
August 7, 2008 Here is what everyone sent in to help celebrate Daddy on this day. Thanks and enjoy!
My Happy Dennis stories by Rita
When Dennis was 14 or 15 around Halloween he put on a dress. He had very long hair in the hippie days and it was beautiful. I was so jealous because my hair was never blonde and never thick like his............ The summer he was 11 I gave him a quarter to put on my 2 piece bathing suit and let me take his picture....He took the quarter and I got my picture with a promise to not show it to anybody........Sorry Den ...But you knew I loved you..........The quarter was nothing .......The picture .......PRICELESS............One Christmas, when he was about 10... I bought him his first new bike and what a pleasure that memory gives me when I think back.....Because of Dennis I have many good memories I'll treasure a lifetime.
From Lacey
I remember going with Dennis and Dad to the fish store in Morristown. I wanted to show him the store because of all the types of saltwater and freshwater fish they had there. When he saw the Discus fish he told me about how he used to raise them. We had a lot of fun that day.
From Joy
It was the day before my 11th birthday. Daddy took us to the Hospital so he could see Mother and the new baby. Eunice stayed in the car with all kids except David and me. Daddy took us up the steps but we were too young to be allowed on the floor where Mother was. The nurse brought Dennis into the stairwell and let us see him and asked me if I wanted to hold him. I was speechless.
I have many happy memories of him being ‘glued’ to my leg when he was little. Before we went to the orphanage when he was barely 2 years old, we had had nothing to eat for days except squirrel dumplings that kept having more dumplings added to the pot without more squirrel. It’s funny now but we were so embarrassed when Dennis, at our first meal at the orphanage, blurted out, “I want some squirrel.”�. Any food was squirrel to him. The other kids thought he was so cute because what they heard was “Serve me first”�.
Hilarious times on Eunice’s back porch with Dennis and Terry together. They played off each other so well.
When he solicited Denise and me to help him pick blackberries one very hot July day, every time we pricked our fingers and complained, he would say, ”You have to pick the berries with a happy heart or they will spoil the wine.”�
He was always so easy going. I loved having him with me as a teenager. He was never a problem. He did whatever I did. I took a movie of him soloing in the airplane on his 16th birthday.
From Jessica
I can't really remember any from when I was young. Right before he got sick I called him on my way to an interview (when I get nervous I talk a lot), he missed the call. But, when I got out he had left me a voicemail saying that I didn't need to worry because as soon as they saw me smile they would hire me, and if they didn't-then they weren't worth me working for them.
He never spoke badly of anyone-ever. I really admired that in him.
Mom said that she can remember when a baby squirrel fell out of its nest and Daddy went and got it and got up every few hours to feed it with a little dropper. It was cute and fun for the first few weeks climbing up everywhere and everyone. They had to let it go after that cause apparently they get mean.
And the first spring after we got back in contact, I was really worried about my dog, Zip. I called him and he calmed me down and told me exactly what was wrong with her and what to do.
From Geri
So many memories...one I will never forget began like so many other days...
We were up at Terry’s house in Kentucky and had barbecued chicken outside. It was so hot, the typical hot Kentucky summer evening, where Dennis, Terry, and I sat outside after dinner talking about this, that, and everything as we always did. Before we knew it was late. Terry went to bed but Dennis and I stayed up to talk some more. The stars were beautiful and there must have been a meteor shower because there was a shooting star every few minutes. I moved from my lawn chair to the grass because my neck was beginning to hurt. Dennis soon followed and we laid there in the grass talking about life while watching stars shoot across the sky. At some point we fell asleep. I awoke with a blanket over me, a very sore neck, and itching. I don't know how the blanket got there, if Terry brought it out or if Dennis got up and got one for each of us. All I know is that when I went inside I stopped counting at 120 mosquito bites and three large spider type bites. Dennis had less mosquito trauma but still was significantly eaten and had the same mysterious spider bites. Terry thought we were nuts. To tell you the truth, so did we. It made for a good laugh over breakfast and Benadryl. The mosquito bites went away but my memories of the conversation and the shooting stars will never fade.
Rita Davis..Messer
September 21, 2007
Den,
You said we'd go on ...But.. you just wouldn't be here at parties and get togethers and holidays.. Yes we must go on but you (are here) in spirit.. and the memories we all made
together will always be here. Today as I accept another birthday.. and as I thought of you yesterday on your 53rd... you are here.. and take center stage in our memories...Knowing you are all right always gets me through..Especially this time of year..Love and Happy Birthday from sister..Rita Ree #4
Such boyish charm!
Joy Philpott
September 20, 2007
Happy 53rd Dink. Remembering so many birthdays we spent together without ever dreaming of what September 20th would be without you. Definitely not happy. I miss you today and every day.
Denise Davis
August 7, 2007
Everyday, Memories carry me, all conversations, smiles,laughs, love, your voice, they are with me everyday in every minute,... Love you .. Denise
Rita Messer
August 5, 2007
Great memories of you are with me every day little brother and remembering your good nature, smile, and your thoughtful ways keep me going on bad days. You are always in my heart.
Love, Rita...Sister #4
What a smile!
August 4, 2007
There is nothing like 2 arms full of warm puppies.
August 4, 2007
You are up to something. I don't trust that look:)
Joy Philpott
August 4, 2007
Remembering your smile. I love the memories of you in these photos. I refuse to remember anything other than all the times I saw your smile and there were so, so many.
Joy Philpott
July 4, 2007
Happy 4th Dink! I know you have a choice spot to see the fireworks this year and I'll know that every shooting star I see was lit by you. Remembering past celebrations with you and Denise in Eunice's backyard. I can smell the gun powder now. I sat with an umbrella as a sheild from the falling ash and watched you in charge of lighting the fireworks. You are with me this July 4th Dear Dennis, just as you are each and every day.
Joy Philpott
December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas Dennis. Remembering Christmases past with archery sets, fish tanks, and telescopes. All the Christmas candles and lights cannot light up a room like you did every time you walked in. People still hurry on their way just as you said they would, as if nothing has changed when I know that EVERYTHING has changed. I feel so blessed to have been able to spend one last Christmas with my brother in 2005. Christmas will never be the same again. I miss you Dink. Rest in heavenly peace this silent night.
Kay Davis
September 24, 2006
Dennis (DINK)
Each time it rains, I’ll think of you. I hope it rains in heaven. If not, my tears will do.
As I brushed your blond hair, I asked if you would still protect and watch over me.You turned your head to me and in your eyes, I could see your love. You nodded 3 times and said yes, yes, yes; looked down at your bed and said, “That I will do.”
I stroked your pale cheeks. I held your cold hand. I kissed your forehead and then I said, “Go to God dear brother. Someone’s waiting. It’s Mother. It’s peaceful there. It’s OK to go. When the time comes, I’m sure you’ll know."
If I could take back things said and done, I surely would, but God took you away before I could. If your place I could only take, I would not even hesitate. It certainly would be no mistake. I hurt so much; for me, not you. Your life’s in heaven. I’ll be there soon.
I prayed that God would make a place for you soon. Your pain was so bad, morning night and noon. You suffered much – your life was a fight. God please light his path and hold him tight.
The “3 of us” exist no more. Not at all like days of yore.
Don’t hesitate to visit me. I’ll know you’re there. I’ll know you’re free.
I must end this now. I know you hear me. Some way, somehow.
Love,
Your baby sister, Kay “Doll”
Rita Messer
September 20, 2006
Happy 52nd birthday dear little brother. I think of you every day. You were the nicest birthday gift being born Sept. 20, 1954 the day before my 8th birthday..Love to you forever..your sister...Rita
Carolyn Cooper
September 20, 2006
Dennis Lee Davis, my brother, whom I did not know much about until last Christmas. I shared a few precious days with him & what a treasure that was. We bonded like we had been together all our lives. I miss him every day & regret we could not grow up together.
Joy Philpott
September 20, 2006
Thinking of you today on what would have been your 52nd birthday Dennis Lee. Wishing you a thunderous birthday. I miss you so much:(
Joy
Penney Doss
August 17, 2006
Dennis you were a good friend and you had a heart bigger than anyone I have ever come in contact with. May you rest in peace.
Doris Devlin
August 14, 2006
I can just hear those fish stories between Dennis & Tom (Denise's spouse & Dad) about the big one that got away or in their case the "big one" that took off with their baited fishing pole and them diving in to the water at Edgewood Arsenal to retrieve their disappearing pole fully clothed and wallets in their pockets.
Those good memories will live on, not to be forgotten and will keep us pressing on until his family circle is once again complete. I know Dennis will be missed by all his family and friends and my sympathy is extended to all.
We must have faith that those dark clouds have passed for Dennis and he will only have sunny skies ahead.
With sincere condolences - Ma (as Dennis called me).
Doris Devlin (M-I-L)
Lakeland, Fl
P.S. I am so touched by all the previous entries and am sure his family is also, and realize he was very special to many.
Miles and Angela Reese
August 12, 2006
To Joy and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. To Dennis, rest in peace.
Robby Philpott
August 11, 2006
It is still kinda hard to believe I have lost an Uncle. It saddens me greatly. Never expected him to go so young. Many regrets I have not spending more time with him when he was in health. I just assumed he would live to age 80 or better and that I would always have a chance in the future to do "this or that" with him.
This was a real wake up call for me to never take life for grant it. The whole thing seemed like it happened so fast.
So glad I got a chance to see him one last time in May 2006. I spent 9 hours traveling to and from New Market, TN and back to Roanoke, VA. The 30 minutes I spent with him made the whole 9 hour drive worth it many times over.
My deepest sympathies to the rest of the family.
Craig Alleman
August 11, 2006
On behalf of the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard, thank you for letting us serve your family in giving well deserved Full Military Honors for DENNIS LEE DAVIS. It's because of him and people like him that we continue to be a free nation, one nation under God. God Bless, protect, and guide all of your family, In Jesus name, Amen.
Chaplain Craig Alleman, USAF
East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard
Angie
August 11, 2006
I never met Dennis, but he seem like a wonderful person. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Matthew 11:28
Peggy Cooper
August 11, 2006
Iam thinking of you and your family at this time of loss of your loved one. Dennis had the most precious gift of all, the love and devotion of a family. My deepest sympathy to all.(Peggy,Corryton,Tn.)
Gary Sharp
August 10, 2006
Dennis, I never met you in person, but I feel like I know you, in some ways, through the eyes of Eunice and Joy. May you rest in peace.
John Oxendine
August 10, 2006
Thinking of u and your family,my prayers are with u all and Euni,Joy,Rita,and i love u all.
Carole Brown
August 10, 2006
To Joy and family, my deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your dear loved one, Dennis. Saying goodby is never easy, especially when one is so young, but we know he is in a better place now where all pain and suffering no longer exist. May God keep you in the palm of his hands and ease you through your grief.
Karen Lavender
August 10, 2006
Thinking of your family at this time of loss and remembering you in prayer. With sympathy,
Brenda Wilson
August 10, 2006
Dennis my prayers were always for you and the family before your passing. Now that I know you are in peace. They will continue for the family to be able to go on without you. I will always remember you as a brother.
Bonnie Evans
August 9, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Denise. She and Dennis were long time friends and he will be greatly missed.
Love and prayers,
Tom, Bonnie & Molly
Dennis & wife Denise May 27, 2006
August 9, 2006
Dennis & daughter Jessica Jan. 14, 2006
August 9, 2006
Dennis Army 1972
August 9, 2006
Baby Dennis Fall 1954
August 9, 2006
Heather Davis
August 9, 2006
with pride,
Heather Davis
Joy Philpott
August 9, 2006
I was the first person in the family other than Mother who held Dennis as a baby. It was the day before my 11th birthday. Daddy had taken us to the hospital in Harriman. David and I got to go inside. We had to stand in the stairwell since children were not allowed on the ward. A nurse brought Dennis into the stairwell and asked me if I wanted to hold him. That brief moment was etched in my memory.
In every thunder storm, by any gun store, or even in a hot blackberry patch, Dennis will be by my side forever. I will not say goodbye.
Freda
August 9, 2006
Even though it seems all to soon, your work on earth is done.
A tired body now at rest, a new journey has begun.
My prayer for you Dennis: Eternal Peace and Everlasting Life
Until we meet again
Phyllis Muckle
August 9, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of loss. God Bless.
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