Robert C. Dennis

Robert Christopher Dennis, was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 20, 1955 to the union of Bertha Mae Quince and Willie Lewis Dennis. Robert was the youngest of five children, falling in line with his sisters Dolores, Patricia, Jackie, and brother Willie(Billy).

As a child, Robert was a member of Union Baptist Church Phoenix, Az. He attended Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, and he was a 1974 graduate of North High School in Phoenix. After graduating from high school Robert knew he wanted to see more than what Phoenix offered, so he moved to Fort Pierce, Florida. After about a year in Fort Pierce, Robert moved over 3,000 miles away to Seattle, Washington. In Seattle, Robert set his sights on finding a career. Robert enrolled in a culinary arts program at Seattle Opportunities Industrialization Center, SOIC. While completing a program in culinary arts he learned of a program that provided training for opportunities for work in manufacturing. After completing the SOIC Culinary Arts and Manufacturing programs, Robert landed his dream job with The Boeing Co.(Boeing) While working at Boeing from 1977-2021(44.5 years) Robert had the opportunity to be an integral part of the manufacturing of Boeing commercial airplanes. He loved to share that he had worked on Models: 707, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, and the 777, from end to end. Robert was a proud member of IAM751, Machinist Union, Seattle, WA.

In 1988, while working at Boeing, Robert met Janice Hunter and soon after their love story began. Together they enjoyed boating & fishing off the coasts of the San Juan Islands, La Push, Forks and Puget Sound, in the Archipelago of Washington. Robert and Janice also shared a love for DIY projects around their home and yard. His love for DIY helped to instigate his love for tools, tools, and more tools. Robert was also a fan of all sports, especially NFL and NBA and really enjoyed the Chicago Bulls during the run of Jordan.

Through the Union of Robert and Janice they were given God’s favor to share their love with their daughter Danielle. They were also blessed to share their love with Robert’s daughter Shakeba Dennis and Janice’s son James E Combs III.

After the sudden passing of their beloved daughter Danielle, in Bothell, WA., November of 2020, Robert retired from Boeing on November 5, 2021 and moved to Arkadelphia on November 15, 2021, to aid in the fulfillment of his wife’s long-awaited dream to return home. Robert, was quickly welcomed by the Arkadelphia and Gum Springs communities. Robert felt like he had come home too. Attending St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church, family & community gatherings, and shopping regularly at Atwood’s and Hardman.

Robert passed away, with his wife Janice at his side, on January 4, 2024 at Baptist Health Medical Center, Arkadelphia.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Bertha Mae and Willie Dennis; his brother, Billy Dennis; mother-in-law, Geneva O. Hunter, and father-in-law Warren ‘Hosie’ Hunter Jr. and daughter Danielle Dennis.

Robert will be held dear in the memory of his wife Janice Dennis of Arkadelphia, AR; daughter, Shakeba Dennis of Sacramento, CA.; step-son, James(Porschia) E. Combs III, Waldorf, MD; sisters Delores(Brenner)Donohue of Manor, TX; Jackie Samson of Seattle, WA; Patricia Dennis of Seattle, WA; brother-in-law, Warren T. Hunter Sr. of Arkadelphia and sister-in-law Rochelle Hunter(McKenzie)James of Happy Valley, OR; 6 grandchildren Kairee Brown, Kaila Smith, James Combs IV, Noir Combs, Collin Combs, and Aijah Combs. Special “work sons,” Joe McKay, Andrew Darazs, and “work daughter” Sharett Taylor.

Submitted by the Hunter & Dennis Families.

 

Public visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the funeral home. A celebration of his life will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church in Gum Springs, AR, with Rev. Jamal Brown, eulogist. The interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Sparkman, AR.