Bud Dennis

John "Bud" Dennis passed away on October 6, 2025. Bud was born in Poetry, TX on November 6, 1943 to John Henry and Adlene Dennis and he was preceded in death by his parents John Henry and Adlene Dennis, sisters; Martha Dennis, Louise Bennett, and Sue Cates. A lifetime resident of Poetry, Bud grew up with a passion for the land around him and his life always reflected his love of his home. Bud had quite the resume in his lifetime being a plumber, a custom home builder, Deputy Game Warden for the State of Texas, custom farmer and rancher, and later retiring from Big Rack Ranch in 2010. He married Sandra Gayle Dennis May 16, 1984 in Terrell, Texas and they shared 41 years together. Bud loved dancing and, after teaching Gayle, they would spend many wonderful evenings together, dancing, on their porch. He also loved sitting on that same porch, telling old time stories with friends and family, and watching his great grand kids play and ride bikes. Family was so important to him; he would drive 4 hours one way just to pick up his golden grandchild, Matthew, and bring him back to Poetry to spend time with him. His great-grandson Cason loved getting to sit in the hunting trailer with Papaw Bud and drink coﬀee with him in the wintertime, both keeping warm as they kept watch for that perfect opportunity. Bud was a well-known prankster, and many unsuspecting people fell for his giving them a crabapple when in fact, it was a green persimmon. Trying to outdo him, Matthew, Whitney, and Michelle, as kids, froze glass marbles and stuck them in his bed while he was sleeping to try and out prank the ultimate prankster. Bud was also a master at other skills including irritating telemarketers (he might be the only person on Earth that got telemarketers to block him. After talking with him they never wanted to call back) and keeping drivers safe on Poetry Road. Anyone that lives in Poetry knows they never wanted to get stuck behind Bud on the road when they were in a hurry. He would have cars backed up behind him a mile long! He was most proud of becoming a Deputy Game Warden. He was always known for his integrity and his work ethic. He loved spending time rodeoing, hunting, and fishing with friends and family. He always loved having visitors come over and enjoy Gayle’s good cooking, and if he couldn’t see his friends in person, he always loved a good phone call to catch up with them. His friendship will be greatly missed, and Bud will never be forgotten. He is survived by his wife, Gayle Dennis; children: Tanna Gaﬀord and husband Dan, Steven Dennis and wife Sokha, Pooh Dennis and wife Shawnde, Vanessa Floyd and husband Robert. Sisters: Joyce Salisbury, Jane Wilson, and Dolly Nell Turner. Grandchildren: Zachary, Michelle, Whitney, Matthew, Amanda, Maddison, Cassie, and Dustin. Great grandchildren: Marley, Rosie, Dani, Caden, Cason, Logan, Lennie, Monte, Jewel, Ethan, Alex, and Charlie as well as many other extended family, countless friends and so many others who met Bud, each of whom will forever remember him. Stewart David, David Dennis, Maddison Dennis, Matthew Dennis, Mike Lee, Caden Scott, Cason Scott, Cody Scott will serve as pallbearers. Funeral service will be at 11:00am, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Campground Cemetery. His family will receive friends beginning at 10:00am to service time.

Tributes

Bud Dennis

November 6, 1943 - October 7, 2025