Dennis Washington

Obituary Dennis Washington Sunrise – August 8, 1956 Sunset – May 16, 2020 Dennis Washington was the second of four children born to the union of Rufus and Susie Washington.He was a rambunctious and energetic child. Dennis and his siblings were introduced to the Lord at an early age by their beloved Grandmother, Ms.Lottie Hall. Dennis’ early acceptance of Jesus as his Savior led to his membership at Antioch Baptist Church where he remained planted for life. While attending Lincoln Heights Elementary School, Dennis was affectionately nicknamed Tank because of his muscular build and fearless nature. Never one to shy away from a new adventure, rather than follow his brother Rufus to J.T. Williams Junior High, Dennis enrolled himself at Northwest Junior High,to be “on his own”, all at the young age of twelve. One of Dennis’ proudest accomplishments was graduating from Independence High School in 1975. In his mid-twenties Dennis fell in love with Sandy Glenn, and to that relationship was born his only child,and the true joy of his life, his daughter Ebony. Over the years Dennis was a loving father who showered his daughter with love. As Ebony matured into a grown woman, nothing brought him greater joy than being a father and grandfather. Dennis’ work ethic was instilled in him at an early age. As a youngster he and his brothers cut yards,carried newspapers, and did other odd jobs to help support their family. True to Dennis being Dennis he quit his job as a paper boy on the heaviest snow day of the year in a management dispute with his brother! When told that people were expecting to get their newspaper that day, he supposedly said,“Oh Well”! Over the years Dennis would go on to have an impressive work career which included working at Presbyterian Hospital for 14 years, then going on to work at Carolina Medical Center (Atrium)for over 29 years. He was forever proud of his years at CMC Main, particularly his years in Patient Transport. Dennis would let anyone know, including doctors and nurses, that no one knew CMC Main like he did! His co-workers at CMC were like another family to him. He loved to play sports and football became his favorite sport, which led to him becoming a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins. To know Dennis is to know that he also LOVED the Carolina Tar Heels, and enjoyed watching the Charlotte Hornets. Fishing was his favorite hobby, which he enjoyed doing with his niece and cousins. Along his walk of life, “the Den Den” as he later came to be known, left us with many sayings which each had a unique meaning, such as : “See you later, bye!”, “Have a Good Day”, “Oh Well,” and “You too smart to know you dumb”, “Money don’t make me, I make money!” Later in life Dennis, would meet Diane Robinson, whom he would always call “my future wife”! They remained close for the rest of his life. As Dennis’ journey on this earthly life became impacted by his battle with pancreatic cancer, he was supported and comforted by his sisters Elaine Lynch and Freda Wilson. His niece Montrea Massey also helped provide care for Dennis in his final days. When Dennis earned his heavenly wings on the morning of May 16 he was surrounded and comforted by his loving family. He joined his Mother, Grandmother, and Father in the heavenly kingdom. He leaves to honor his memory and carry on his legacy: one daughter Ebony Blake (John); six grandchildren Crawford, Calvin, Jaheem, Ezaria, Sandra, and India; two sisters, Elaine Lynch, and Freda Wilson; two brothers, Rufus (Althea) of Cypress, CA, and Booker Tyrone; and a favorite niece Montrea Massey(Freddie). Dennis leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends (especially his childhood friends from the Cummings Ave. neighborhood) to cherish his memory. Rest in Forever Peace Den Den!