Mr. Joe Louis Dennis' Obituary
Joe Louis Dennis, age 78, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Houston, TX. Born on
February 18, 1947, in San Augustine, TX, Joe was a beloved son of Louis Dennis and Doris
Garrett Dennis. He was baptized at Mt. Dena Baptist Church at the age of six. In 1956, he moved
to the Fifth Ward area of Houston, where he attended Atherton Elementary. After relocating to
Trinity Gardens, he continued his education at Sanderson Elementary and later attended
Kashmere Gardens Junior and Senior High Schools, graduating in 1965.
He attended Texas Southern University (TSU) until joining the United States Air Force in 1967.
After serving overseas and completing his tour of duty in 1971, he returned and worked in the oil
and gas industry in addition to starting AJM Welding Services with his brother, Arthur,
designing burglar bars and BBQ pits. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Drafting and Design
Technology from TSU in 1983. In 1988, he obtained his teaching certification and changed
careers to become a special education teacher in the Houston Independent School District
(HISD). After receiving a degree of Master of Education and Mid-Management Administrative
Certification in 1999, he was later promoted to assistant principal, a role he held until his
retirement in 2003.
Joe joined Forest Lawn Missionary Baptist Church as a youth and served faithfully as a deacon,
educational director, and as a member of both the Male Chorus and Men of Character. Joe was
active in the Shepherd Park Terrace neighborhood civic club, serving as president and as a
member of Citizens on Patrol. He was a devoted and active class member of the Kashmere
Gardens Senior High School Class of 1965 participating in reunion planning and activities.
He is survived by his best friend and the love of his life, Gloria Dean King Dennis; his children
Erika (W. Victor), Jason (Jennifer), and Caroline (Barry); four granddaughters Erinn, Elise,
Carrington, and Scarlett; and four grandsons Jahqualon, Xaivier, Barry Carter, and Jameson. He
is also survived by his sisters Ella Hines and Doris Marie Dennis. He is preceded in death by his
siblings Patricia, Arthur (Sandra—living), Donnie (Vinita—deceased), Darlene, and Diana. Joe
leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will deeply miss him and
forever cherish his memory.
What’s your fondest memory of Joe?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joe?
Share a story where Joe's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joe you’ll never forget.
How did Joe make you smile?