Gary Michael Dennis

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Gary Michael 'Mickey' Dennis, 71, Charleston, S.C., died there in Medical University of South Carolina Hospital at 10:20 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013. He was a former resident of Galesburg, Lake Bracken and Henderson, all in Illinois. Mick was born June 18, 1942, in Huntington, Cabell County, W.Va. Survivors include his wife of nearly 45 years, Deborah; and children, Cassie Gail Cirimotich (Bradley) of Henderson, Ill., and Chad Matthew Dennis (Rebecca 'Becky') of Shorewood, Wis.; and grandchildren, Thorne M. Knisley, Logan B. Cirimotich, Taylor M. Dennis and Ellie S. Dennis. His parents, Goldie Juanita Bowerman and Wayne Matthew Dennis, predeceased him. Seven siblings, half-siblings and step-siblings and many other nieces, nephews and extended family members also survive. A military veteran, Mickey joined the U.S. Navy in 1960. He retired after working as a truck driver for several years and in heavy and highway construction, mainly for Laborer's Local 538 between 1969 and 1996. He recently worked in security at Dockside Luxury Condominiums in Charleston for three years until mid-February 2012. His favorite pastimes were visiting with his family and friends and fishing for flounder, crabbing and shrimping in Charleston area salt and fresh waters. Private family funeral services were held and cremation rites accorded in Charleston. Friends are invited to join the family to share photos and memories and celebrate Mickey's life at a gathering from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, at the Henderson, Ill., Town Hall. In lieu of floral tributes, the family suggests monetary donations to the local food bank.