Woodrow Paul Dennis, veteran, hardworking man
Woodrow Paul Dennis, 74, of Milton, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at home. Woody was born in Salisbury, Md., to the late Olin Woodrow and Virginia (Hambley) Dennis.
In 1967, Woody joined the Lewes Fire Department at 17. He attended Lewes High School, graduating in 1969. Woody was a proud military veteran. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served two tours in Vietnam, a tour in Germany, Ethiopia, and Vint Hills, Va. Woody decided to return to civilian life in 1980. A year later, he knew his true calling was the military, Woody then joined the Navy and served for the next 11 years. While in the Navy, he was stationed in Norfolk, Va., on the USS Lawrence and USS Guadalcanal as a gunner's mate. Woody’s final assignment was in New York, where he worked as a military police officer until his retirement in 1992.
After retirement from the military, Woody worked for the City of Rehoboth, alongside his late father-in-law, John L. Brown, for the parks department cutting grass and decorating for Christmas. He retired a third time from Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, where he worked in security and as a transporter/dispatcher.
Woody loved traveling to Walt Disney World, surf-fishing and playing the slots in Harrington. Woody liked watching westerns and military documentaries, and following the Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Phillies. He also enjoyed time spent with his girls and eating crabs at his favorite restaurant, The Old Mill in Delmar. Woody’s most cherished time was spent with his family, especially with his daughter, Dawn.
In addition to his loving parents, Woody was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara (Brown) Dennis; and sister, Linda Dillinger.
Woody is survived by his daughter, Dawn E. Crouch of Milton; sister, Deborah Lawler (John) of Lorton, Va.; brother, James L. Dennis (Cheryl) of Delaware City; brother-in-law, Monroe Dillinger of Lewes; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and numerous extended family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 1, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will immediately follow the services at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to USO Lewes, uso.org/donate/donate-in-honor; Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, rehobothbeachfire.com/page/donations; Lewes Fire Department, lewesfire.com/donate.cfmor; or Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing, beebehealthcare.org/memorial-gifts.
