Dennis Priest

Dennis "Dink" Priest, a beloved lifelong resident of Cartersville, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, at the age of 78 along with his fur babies Bella and Rocky. Born on Friday, May 23rd, 1947, in Cartersville, Dennis lived a rich and fulfilling life, deeply rooted in his community and surrounded by loved ones.

Dennis was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Charlotte Priest; his devoted parents, Robert and Nellie Priest; his brother Wayne Priest; and his sisters, Brenda Priest-Smith and JoeAnn Priest-Chastain. His enduring legacy lives on through his family, including his niece Ashton Griffith, nephew Jason Priest (Mary), nieces Keshia Hall (Shannon), Kensey Griffith-Seeley (Matt), Lindsey Kent (Jereme), Norma Connell, and Dawn Mancil-Duran (Carlos); nephews Ivan Black (Amy), Pip Gravley, Ian Connell, and Jon Mancil (Shannon).

Throughout his life, Dennis was known for his vibrant spirit and love for his community. An ardent supporter of Friday night football games, he never missed cheering for his local teams. His love for sports extended to a lifelong passion for playing softball, and he was an enthusiastic fan of The Rome Braves. Dennis could often be found at the beach, basking in the sun's warmth and enjoying the beauty of nature. He served in the US Army where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter Badge.

Dennis was a familiar face at trivia night, where he enjoyed sharing laughs and camaraderie with his trivia buddies. He was an active participant in the arts, both directing and acting in The Shaw plays each year. A gifted writer, Dennis faithfully penned his thoughts and experiences in his journal every day, leaving behind a treasured reflection of his life's journey.

His curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning were evident in his bilingual abilities, and his gentle fondness for hummingbirds mirrored his caring nature. Dennis was also known for his love of animals, particularly his beloved dogs, Bella and Rocky, who were his constant companions.

A visitation to honor Dennis's life will be held on Friday, February 20th, 2026, at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cartersville, GA, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will take place at the same location on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at 2:00 pm.  Dennis will be laid to rest at Georgia National Cemetery on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 11:00 am.

Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Griffith, Darrian Kent, Jon Mancil, Shannon Hall, Aydin Priest, and Liam Hall.

Arrangements are provided by Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Dennis's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have reached out and shared their love and support during this time.

Dennis "Dink" Priest will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his joy, kindness, and love for life and community. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.