Robert Rob Lee Dennis Jr.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Robert Lee Dennis Jr. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Robert was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant. He was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus he possessed a tough-minded "take charge" attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Everyone acquainted with Robert knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in the community. Though Robert always took his job very seriously and took great pride in his work, he always loved to make others laugh. He was a known prankster and joker. He brought much laughter and happiness to many people's lives.

      Robert was born on July 15, 1970, at Lawrence General Hospital in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was the son of Robert and Dolores (Houle) Dennis. Robert was raised in Salem, New Hampshire. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Robert was optimistic in his outlook on life, and was open and direct in his communications. Robert wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Robert's personality throughout his life.

     Robert was raised with one sibling. He had one younger brother, Kevin. Robert and his brother had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Robert was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Robert was always tactful. One thing Robert will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Robert had a number of interests and was an active child. Robert took part in football, and baseball. Robert's memorable achievements included, at the age of 11, doing a charity bike ride, for pledges, for the Salem, New Hampshire Association for Retarded Citizens.

      For Robert, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Robert was also adept at details. Robert was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Salem High School in 1988. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school was history and science.

     Robert, joined the United States Marine Corps while in high school. He began serving in the United States Marine Corps on November 22, 1988. He was in the process of earning his Associates Degree from the American Military University, when he died. His favorite courses were Biology and American History. Robert had already finished Fire Fighter One and Two prior to his current studies he was pursuing.

      There was one thing that all of Robert's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Robert was such a popular person throughout his life. But Robert was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Robert was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Robert was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Robert was often the person who would organize events. When Robert made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, and even to this day, his best friend was Keith Cronin. Later in life, he became friends with so many, but was very close to Pete Triolo, and Rob Hogan who were like brothers to him. Jared Wilson, who was like a son to him. Carlos, Hank, Bill, Alain, and Alan were friends that were always there for him and he for them. They all meant so much to each other. Also, so many other Small Craft Company and Truck Company guys who he served with in Iraq and at Camp Lejeune. He also had a very special relationship with some of the neighbors on the street like Joe and Jessica King, Julie and Mark Butler, Jason and Ceicely Anton, Mike and Heidie and Tim and Brandy Bruns. He served on the Piney Green Volunteer Fire Department with Mark, Tim, and Brandy for quite some time. He held the friendships he had with Joe, Mark, Jason, and Tim very close to his heart. They meant everything to him. These relationships mentioned, Robert held close to his heart.

      Robert was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call him sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around him. Robert cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On October 25, 1991 Robert exchanged wedding vows with Kimberley Jean Pues at the Jacksonville Court House in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Compassionate and devoted, Robert worked hard to make his new life partner happy. Robert brought pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. He loved Kim with all his heart and showed her just how much, on several occasions. Robert knew how much Kim returned that same undying love to him as well. Robert was her soul mate, her best friend, which is more than most relationships truly find now days. Their love for each other will last forever.

      Harmony and security was important to Robert and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Robert was blessed with two children, one son, Brandon, and one daughter, Brittney. Robert worried about his children on a daily basis, because he wanted them to have a long, happy, healthy, and successful life. Robert was always conscious of the feelings others had. He tried to be reasonable and understanding. He loved Brittney and Brandon with all his heart. He would chase them around the house, wrestle with them, make them laugh and sometimes just watch them to enjoy the realization of what good qualities he saw in them and take pride in the adults they would soon become. His family meant everything to him. Everything he did was to insure his family would be provided for and would not have any worries.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Robert, and he expected the same from those around him. Robert was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Robert was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Robert handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was a United States Marine. He was employed for 23 years by the United States Marine Corps and then retired and worked as a contractor for the United States Marine Corps at MARSOC. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues and receiving the greatest respect back from them.

      Blessed with a practical nature, Robert was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Robert was a United States Marine Corps Veteran. He was in the Second Marine Division most of his military career at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, but also served in Okinawa, spent three years at Camp Johnson, North Carolina, and did three tours in Iraq. Robert saw action for seven months during Operation Desert Storm, and seven months on two different occasions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. He received several awards including a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of 3rd award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with "Valor" device and two gold stars in lieu of 3rd award, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation - Navy, Humanitarian Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with 1 silver star and 1 bronze star in lieu of seventh award, National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze star in lieu of second award, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense service Medal, Sea Service Deployment ribbon with four stars, Iraq Campaign Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and a Meritorious Service Medal.

      A methodical man, Robert enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were fishing, putting together mini military vehicle models, wood work, and firefighting. He was a very talented man and did many of his wood working projects just from a picture he would get in his head. His talent is greatly missed.

      Robert was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Robert was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Robert also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were the NFL - New England Patriots and NASCAR. He went to several NASCAR races during his lifetime and truly enjoyed watching some of his favorite drivers like Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt JR.

     His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Robert to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Robert did his fair share of volunteer work. And he would not shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Robert was an active member of the VFW, The Marine Corps Motor Transport Association and the Marine Corps Association.

      Not only did Robert enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included a family trip with Kim, Brittney and Brandon to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in July of 2009. Robert said it was the greatest trip they had ever taken as a family. They enjoyed much laughter, love and just being together as a family. It would be a time they never forgot.

      Robert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Gunny, a Boxer/German Shepard mixed dog, who was a best friend right up until the day Robert passed away. His family was rounded out by his dog, Gunny and his cat, Brandy.

      Since it was easy for Robert to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Robert was ready when that day to retire finally came on June 30, 2012. His new life started in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he, his wife, and children had a house built in 2007. In retirement, he found new pleasure in continuing his wood working projects, mini military vehicle model building, and firefighting at times. He was so very talented. Even in retirement, Robert stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Robert passed away on January 1, 2013 at his home in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Robert lost a tragic battle of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He is survived by his wife, Kimberley; his son, Brandon; his daughter, Brittney; his parents, Robert and Dolores; his brother, Kevin; his mother and father in-laws, James and Bonnie Pues; his sister in-laws, Tanya Hauser, Laura Pues, Mary Young, Janilee Pues, Jeanne Conlon, and Judy Welch; his brother in-laws, Tom Pues, Joe Pues, and Rick Pues; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Services were held at Johnson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, North Carolina and at the Protestant Chapel on board Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Robert was laid to rest in Coastal Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

      Robert was the kind of person who could win others over easily. He was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion and whenever he said something, he meant it. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends, family and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. Robert was a down to earth person, outgoing, gregarious, and humorous. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand, enjoyed laughing and making people laugh. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding, kind, funny, and loving. He loved his family so much from the bottom of his heart. They meant everything to him. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Robert Lee Dennis Jr. He will forever be in our hearts.

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Robert Lee Dennis Jr., age 42, of Salem, New Hampshire, passed away at his home in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on January 1, 2013.

Robert, was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on July 15,1970 to his parents, Robert and Dolores (Houle) Dennis. He graduated from Salem High School in 1988 and entered the United States Marine Corps on November 22, 1988. He graduated recruit training in Paris Island, South Carolina in February of 1989. After returning from Okinawa, he reported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in 1990, where he met his wife Kimberley (Pues) Dennis who he was married to for the last 21 years. They had two children, Brittney, 20 and Brandon, 17. During his time in service, he served 3 tours in Iraq and reached the rank of Master Sergeant. His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of 3rd award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with "Valor" device and two gold stars in lieu of 3rd award, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation - Navy, Humanitarian Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with 1 silver star and 1 bronze star in lieu of seventh award, National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze star in lieu of second award, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense service Medal, Sea Service Deployment ribbon with four stars, Iraq Campaign Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and a Meritorious Service Medal. He retired after 23 years of honorable, faithful service on June 30, 2012. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, fire fighting, and did beautiful carpentry work. He was always good for his great sense of humor and could make everyone laugh. He was a very loving husband, father, son, brother, and a very special friend to many, and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include: His wife, Kimberley (Pues) Dennis. His son, Brandon Dennis and daughter BrittneyDennis. His parents Robert and Dolores (Houle)Dennis. His brother, Kevin Dennis. Many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. His mother and father in-law, James and Bonnie (Carpenter)Pues. His sister -in-laws, Janilee Pues, Mary Young, Laura Pues, Tanya Hauser, Judy Welch, and Jeanne Conlon. His brother-in-laws, Tom Pues, Joseph Pues and Richard Pues.

He was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Edward and Natalie Dennis and Irene Stanley and Roland Houle.

A Funeral Service will be Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at the Mainside Protestant Base Chapel at 12:30 p.m. with Chaplain Rob Fasnacht officiating. Burial will follow at the Coastal Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Monday, January 7, 2013 at Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

In Lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors (Camp Lejeune).

Condolences may be made at www.johnsonfuneralhomes.com .

Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville.