He was a member of Pathways Church of Sevierville, TN and St. Petersburg First United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, FL. His favorite title, "Unk" or "Uncle D". Dennis was a beloved uncle, son, brother, cousin and friend. He loved spending time with his family and friends whom he cared for most. Dennis spent his last years living part time in St. Petersburg, FL and the rest spent in Knoxville, TN, a true snowbird. He was full of love and such a caring and joyful person. Dennis loved music, especially country music. He would jokingly say he could pass as a country music star, Kenny Rogers, to be exact! He possessed a kind and gentle soul, with a radiating and uplifting presence. He was such a treasured influence on anyone that he encountered, and there, he left a mark.
He was preceded in death by parents: Fannie and Millard Fritz; brothers: Richard Smith, Bill Ford, Charles Gann, William Gann, Roy Gann; sisters: Denise Fritz and Betty Miller.
Dennis is survived by nieces: Amanda "Mandy" Smith, Mylayla Binkley, Lily Gregory, Melissa Cieplik, Megan Fleischer, Melanie Fleischer, Rhonda Norries, and Rickishia Blair; nephews: Dylan Gregory, Jeremy Cornell, Matthew Durnell; cousin, Carlos Miller and sisters: Carolyn Benoir and Linda Miller.
The family welcomes friends for a visitation Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the chapel of McCarty - Evergreen Funeral Home, 7426 Asheville Highway, Knoxville, TN 37924 with a Celebration of Life beginning at 6:00 PM officiated by Pastor Tommy Bellamy of Pathways Church. The family invites you to share memories of Dennis and words of condolence at www.mccartyevergreen.com.
