Obituary of Thomas Kurtz Dennis

Thomas Kurtz Dennis, 93, of Kershaw, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Born in Gastonia, NC, he was the son of the late Leon Z. and Lyla S. Dennis and the husband of Ella Mae Baker Dennis. Tommy had a hard life plowing fields from dawn to dusk in his younger life.

Tommy married his loving wife Ella Mae Baker Dennis on September 7, 1949 for 74 years.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and he will always be remembered and loved.  He loved God and his family.  He retired with 32 years from DuPont.

He was an awesome uncle and mentor to many nieces and nephews.  He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him.  He gave much of his time helping others in need.  He had a great sense of humor and loved to share it with everyone.  Playing his guitar for his family and friends was a favorite past time he loved to do.

Surviving family members are his beloved, caring and devoted wife, Ella Mae Baker Dennis who for many years was his caretaker;  his son, Thomas Gerald Dennis (Dianne Walden) of Camden; his sister, Rebecca Moriska; grandchildren, Tommy Dennis (Heather) and Amanda Locklear; great-grandchildren, Faith Coffman, Hannah Dennis, and Tommy Ray Dennis; and great-great-grandchildren, Lilliana and Rowen Erskine; and special family friend, Roger Bowers.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his children, Theresa Jean Dennis and Timothy Kurtz Dennis; and siblings, Ida “Polly” Rhinehart, Bruce Dennis, Clyde Dennis, and Claude Dennis.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 4, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Refuge Baptist Church Family Life Center with burial to follow in the church cemetery.  The Rev. Evan Smith and the Rev. Donnie Barrett will officiate. The family will receive friends in the Family Life Center prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

The family extends a special thanks to Emmera Jean Hopkins who was a special caretaker, hospice caretakers, and nurses for the loving care given to Tommy during his illness.