Dennis Hoyt Gattis

Dennis Hoyt Gattis, 84 passed away on Tuesday January 20th peacefully at his home with loved ones. He was born on June 28th 1941 in Paris, Arkansas an only child to Cecil and Ruby Gattis. On June 9th, 1961 he married the love of his life and soulmate Carolyn Sue McElhaney. For the next 63 years they were inseparable and remained the best of friends. In their eyes, their greatest accomplishments in life were their three children, Brian, Tina, David and their Grandchildren Zachary, Carly, Chloe, Kaitlynn and Chase.

In their younger years Denny took so much pride in teaching them to do all the things he loved and provided endless support so they could follow their dreams. He taught his eldest son Brian everything he knew about classic cars so they could spend their free time together working at Denny's shop. He gave his daughter Tina the love for music which encouraged her to develop her beautiful singing voice. He taught all of his children how to ride bikes; however, his youngest David, became a natural competitor which led to them traveling the country racing BMX, allowing more time spent together as a family. Wherever Denny and Carolyn were, their in-laws Chuck and Margaret Wheelus and their nephew Tim and niece Gayla were always close by. Family vacations were spent at the lake, they also enjoyed hunting, boating, camping, skiing and seeing the sights in their motorhome. Once his grandchildren arrived on scene, there was no greater joy for Denny than when they joined him at the shop, his happiness and silly goose behavior was unleashed when they were around.

Denny lived a full and hardworking life. He dedicated over three decades to a career with United Parcel Service before retiring. His commitment and longevity in his profession reflected his strong work ethic and reliability. Beyond his career, Denny found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a deep affection for old cars and motorcycles often admiring their craftsmanship and history. Throughout his life, Denny was part of numerous car clubs and a longtime member of the Ramblers motorcycle club. This admiration led to opening C&D Classic Chevy Parts, a business partnership with Chuck.

Inevitably, the shop became his happy place, home away from home where friends and family were always stopping by for a visit (and a handful of lint dusted M&M's offered from his vest pocket), a place where he could let his creativity roam free as an artist and self taught Master of Upholstery. Anyone who was lucky to have their Hot Rod upholstered by him, knew his meticulous skills could never be topped. The trade has lost one of the greats as his work was truly magnificent.

He was the loyalist of all men and a creature of habit; which made for making friends wherever he went. He could be found every morning with Carolyn and some of their dearest friends at our local McDonalds or Waffle Shop.

Denny truly lived a life defined by kindness, compassion and generosity which made him larger than life to those who were blessed to know him. He jumped at any opportunity to lend a helping hand to family, friends and especially the homeless kitties in his backyard.

A true LEGEND, described by many as set in his ways or stubborn; however, it definitely turned out to be one of his strongest attributes He vigilantly fought a silent battle with cancer for many years, rarely ever complaining and never slowing down. Having such a tenacity for life, he gave cancer a run for its money and his family is eternally grateful for the extra years they got to spend by his side.

Denny was a devoted and cherished Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend, this loss will be eternally felt.

Denny was preceded in death by his Father and Mother: Cecil and Ruby Gattis, Son Brian Gattis, In Laws: Everett and EmmaJean McElhaney, Charles and Margaret Wheelus.

Denny is survived by his loving Wife Carolyn, Tina, John & Carly Creighton, David (Kathleen) Zachary, Chloe, Kaitlynn and Chase Gattis.

Nephew Tim & Rose Wheelus, Niece Gayla Wheelus Great Nephew & Nieces: Aimee Firmalo, Thomas, Cammie, Willie & Teddy Wheelus, Meagan, Patrick & Jameson Swain, Tiffany, Jarrod & Amelia Sammut.

A celebration of Dennis's life will be held at the Salinas Rodeo Grounds on Sunday February 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Everyone is invited to shine up their cars (old and new) to give Denny one last run! A show visible in heaven, to make him proud and to see how loved he truly is.