Dennis McGill, of Port Richey, Florida, passed away at Gulfside Hospice in Pasco County, on April 19, 2016. He was born on February 19, 1930 in London, England, to his parents, Arthur P. and Elsie Underwood McGill. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Gladys Totty, brother Patrick McGill and longtime companion, Betty Jo “Betts” Hancock. He is survived by his daughters, Denise McKenzie of Olympia, Kentucky, Peggy Cunningham of Indiana, Mary Kaye Huber of New Salisbury, Indiana, and his niece, Carol Stanley, of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Dennis also had family members in England. He will be especially missed by his best friend and “brother” of 56 years, Carl Renck of Louisville, Kentucky, who, in Dennis’ words was,”the only person allowed to count my money”. We are thankful for many friends and neighbors, especially Laurie and Jeff Simpson, Don Schnitzhofer, Dave and Naomi Smithers and his caregiver, Anita Showalter, for their outreach and help. Dennis will be greatly missed by many.
Dennis joined the Merchant Marines when he was 17 and traveled the world. He followed his sister to the United States in November of 1947 from Southampton, UK, on the US Marine Jumper. He served in the US Army as Corporal from 1950- 1953 where he was a Korean War hero. He became a permanent resident of the United States and lived in various states, including Tennessee, California, Kentucky and Florida. He was a man’s man, a hard worker, and a survivor.
His favorite line of work was owning and operating a successful print shop. In his retirement years, he owned and managed property in Port Richey. He loved to joke and always brought joy wherever he roamed and laughter to any conversation.
Dennis loved animals and could never turn one away. His Corgi rescue dog, Ticker, was his faithful companion.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Solaris Senior Care and Gulfside Hospice for the mercy and care extended to him. We especially appreciate the pastoral staff at RMC , St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and friends who shared the grace of God with him, resulting in a softened heart.
According to Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus said that any “laborer” who accepts the invitation to work in the vineyard (Kingdom of Heaven), no matter how late in the day, will receive an equal reward with those who have been faithful the longest. Dennis is now experiencing true joy and peace in heaven.
Arrangements for his burial have been provided by Veterans Funeral Care. He will be placed in the columbarium in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Condolences may be made at www.veteransfuneralcare.com Memorial Contributions may be made to Pasco Animal Services.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
I am so sorry to hear the news of the death of our distant cousin Dennis. I loved meeting him and Betty back in 1996, and remember him as a true character. He welcomed us into his home and kept us entertained with his tales. My thoughts are with his family who I would welcome into my home as he welcomed us into his. RIP
I share your sadness on the passing of my cousin Dennis, although regrettably I did not have the opportunity of ever meeting him.May he rest in peace.
Very sorry to hear. Dennis & Betty were neighbors fo several years on Sunset in Port Richey. Dennis was a king and generous friend who loved to share stories and books about unique cars. R.I.P. Dennis, grateful to have known you as a friend.
DENNIS was a very dear friend and I am thankful to have known him. I visited him several times but the most special day was the last day of his life. I visited just before he was moved to Hosperus. I asked him If I could pray with him and he said yes. I later found out that while at Hosperus he accepted Jesus as his saviour. What a blessing that was to me.
RIP now my dear friend.
Belated. I am so sad to hear of the passing of my Uncle Dennis and Aunty Betsy. Dennis was my Dads cousin. I have spent many holidays with Dennis and Betsy and his sister, my Aunty Gladys. Distance never kept us apart. Thank you Dennis for the great times, the love you showed and the life lessons. Rest in peace. Look after Dad and don’t get up to too much mischief.
Dennis and Betty were next door neighbors for ever 20 years. Many neighbors helped care for them in their last years and I found him the perfect caregiver who cared about him dearly. We enjoyed having them over for every Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas dinner and listening to his interesting stories. He led an interesting life that’s for sure. And he truly felt bad that he wasn’t there for his Betts when she passed away while he was in the hospital.