Obituary for Dwight Dennis
Mitford “Dwight” Dennis, 69 years old, of Pampa, Texas, passed from this earthly life into eternal glory with his Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, in Lubbock, Texas. He was born one of eight children on March 21, 1953, to A.M. and Lillie Mae Dennis in Groom, Texas.
Little did Dwight know, that in 1971, when he went to work for Jay Gist at Jay’s Drive Inn, that he was making a lifelong commitment. After 21 years of working there, he and brother, Aldo, bought the Drive Inn from Jay in 1992 and eventually, he bought out Aldo and became full owner. Dwight took great pride in owning the Drive Inn and has helped countless employees over his 50-year adventure. Shortly after starting his employment at Jay’s, he married his sweetheart, Kathy Trussell on June 2, 1972, and they had recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Dwight was very loving and attentive and always made time for his kids. Once grandchildren and great-grandchildren came into his life, he was the most amazing “Poppa” and never turned down an opportunity to play! Although family was of utmost importance, his faith and love of Christ was top priority. As an ordained Bishop, he served as Administrative Bishop of the International Tree of Life Ministries for many years. Studying the bible, teaching or attending bible classes, volunteering at the Cross in Groom, praying for and with others, preaching, officiating funerals or conducting weddings, and simply meeting friends in the mornings for coffee to discuss the bible are various avenues to which he ministered throughout his life. He also had a love for simple things such as playing his guitar, seeing the beauty and value in antiques, and helping others. His kind and tender heart as well as his soft smile will be greatly missed in our community.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Maedale Conor, Wilma Parks, Clara “Deanie” Dennis, Darlene Cotton; brothers-in-law, Bobby Cotton, Buster Parks and a grandson, Chafen Wilson.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy Dennis of Pampa; son, Michael Dennis and wife Lesley of Tom Ball; daughter, Melody Wilson and husband Loney of Amarillo; brother, Aldo Dennis of Pampa; sisters, Pat McCain and husband Danny of Pampa, Barbara Grissom of Houston; seven grandchildren, Kade Wilson and wife Ana of Wheeler, Conor Wilson and wife Shelby of Mobeetie, Dillon Forbes of Fort Worth, Chandon Portillo and husband Felipe of Pampa, Lily Forbes of Amarillo, Hudson Bolz of Tom Ball, Ben Wilson of Amarillo; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members who will miss him.
Should you wish to bid Dwight farewell, he will be available at Winegeart Funeral Home, 303 N Frost Street, on Thursday from 5 to 8pm, Friday from 9am to 8pm with the family present to receive guests from 5-8 and again on Saturday morning from 9 to noon.
Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be at 2:00pm, Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Calvary Baptist Church with Bishop Dr. Stephen W. Edwards officiating and Pastor Paul Beam assisting. Interment will immediately follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
If donations are a preference, the family suggests they be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 1535 West Loop S, Houston, Texas 77027 or by visiting www.stjude.org in memory of Dwight.
Little did Dwight know, that in 1971, when he went to work for Jay Gist at Jay’s Drive Inn, that he was making a lifelong commitment. After 21 years of working there, he and brother, Aldo, bought the Drive Inn from Jay in 1992 and eventually, he bought out Aldo and became full owner. Dwight took great pride in owning the Drive Inn and has helped countless employees over his 50-year adventure. Shortly after starting his employment at Jay’s, he married his sweetheart, Kathy Trussell on June 2, 1972, and they had recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Dwight was very loving and attentive and always made time for his kids. Once grandchildren and great-grandchildren came into his life, he was the most amazing “Poppa” and never turned down an opportunity to play! Although family was of utmost importance, his faith and love of Christ was top priority. As an ordained Bishop, he served as Administrative Bishop of the International Tree of Life Ministries for many years. Studying the bible, teaching or attending bible classes, volunteering at the Cross in Groom, praying for and with others, preaching, officiating funerals or conducting weddings, and simply meeting friends in the mornings for coffee to discuss the bible are various avenues to which he ministered throughout his life. He also had a love for simple things such as playing his guitar, seeing the beauty and value in antiques, and helping others. His kind and tender heart as well as his soft smile will be greatly missed in our community.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Maedale Conor, Wilma Parks, Clara “Deanie” Dennis, Darlene Cotton; brothers-in-law, Bobby Cotton, Buster Parks and a grandson, Chafen Wilson.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy Dennis of Pampa; son, Michael Dennis and wife Lesley of Tom Ball; daughter, Melody Wilson and husband Loney of Amarillo; brother, Aldo Dennis of Pampa; sisters, Pat McCain and husband Danny of Pampa, Barbara Grissom of Houston; seven grandchildren, Kade Wilson and wife Ana of Wheeler, Conor Wilson and wife Shelby of Mobeetie, Dillon Forbes of Fort Worth, Chandon Portillo and husband Felipe of Pampa, Lily Forbes of Amarillo, Hudson Bolz of Tom Ball, Ben Wilson of Amarillo; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members who will miss him.
Should you wish to bid Dwight farewell, he will be available at Winegeart Funeral Home, 303 N Frost Street, on Thursday from 5 to 8pm, Friday from 9am to 8pm with the family present to receive guests from 5-8 and again on Saturday morning from 9 to noon.
Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be at 2:00pm, Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Calvary Baptist Church with Bishop Dr. Stephen W. Edwards officiating and Pastor Paul Beam assisting. Interment will immediately follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
If donations are a preference, the family suggests they be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 1535 West Loop S, Houston, Texas 77027 or by visiting www.stjude.org in memory of Dwight.