Tom L. Dennis, Jr. passed away on December 19, 2014 in Wildwood, Texas. Born May 31, 1930, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Tom and Vera Whitley Dennis, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of fifty-eight years, Jane Bailey Dennis.
Upon graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with an Electrical Engineering degree, Tom and Jane moved to Baltimore to start his career in communications. They moved to Iowa, Texas, Florida, and California before settling in Wildwood. His passion for engineering and creativity resulted in such achievements as the original AirFone. His work continues with radio and satellite communication technology widely used today.
Tom and Jane loved their time in Wildwood and the friends that they made there. They were very active in the Wildwood Village Mills United Methodist Church where Tom was the resident sound man. He continued with his ham radio interests and indulged his penchant for collecting. His hobbies were varied and included restoring pocket watches, cars, and antique radios. Upon retiring, they began to travel extensively. Their trips included trans-Atlantic and Alaskan cruises, trips to Hawaii and throughout the continental United States, and a recent cruise to the South Pacific.
Tom is survived by his daughter, Cindy Dennis Wylie and husband, Gary; son, Scott Dennis and wife, Carole; granddaughter, Sara Loeb; grandsons, Joel Hammond and Jason Shalia; sister, Barbara Dennis Pfannenstiel; and his close friend, Lynne Vert. His dogs, Fuzzy and Miranda, mourn his passing. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
A gathering of Mr. Dennis’ family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with his funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 22, 2014, at Wildwood-Village Mills United Methodist Church, 5943 FM 3063, Village Mills. Interment will follow at Village Mills Cemetery, Village Mills, under the direction of Broussard’s, 530 West Monroe, Kountze.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to an animal rescue organization such as Barrio Dogs, Red Collar Rescue or Corridor Rescue in Houston, Texas.
