Dennis Gary Durham, Sr.

Dennis Gary Durham Sr, 81, of Tryon NC died Monday November 11, 2024, at home with family and friends present. 

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

He was born in Pueblo, Colorado but moved to Arcadia, SC where he graduated from Dorman High-School and then later Clemson University.

Dennis served in the National Guard and had a successful  and fulfilling career in textiles in the upstate of SC as a regional plant manager working for some of the most well-known and respected textile companies in the world.

But it was in retirement that Dennis gave back so much to his community and his friends. He and group of friends spearheaded the development of Rogers Park in Tryon NC. Later it would be at Rogers Park during the summer tracks concert series that Dennis was take to the dance floor one last time and boogie to the music. His friends will hold this sweet memory in their hearts seeing his joy for this last dance. He also served on the Tryon Town Council and ABC Board for his beloved town.

All who knew Dennis would be remiss if it wasn’t mentioned what a big Clemson Football fan he was. It could be said that Clemson Football might have been the next greatest love of his life next to his family. It would be a rare occasion not to see Dennis sporting a Clemson logo or have the game on watching with friends in his home. In the last days of his life his hat on his head and orange blanket on his bed felt like a warm embrace as his friends and family watched one last game with him.

Dennis leaves behind a son Hilton Bradley Durham and daughter Disa Durham Burdette (Bobby) as well as a deceased son, Dennis Gary Durham II  that were his life’s work. In addition, one grandson, Evan Burdette who he adored. He leaves behind a beloved wife, Paula Poole Durham, who was his rock. And brothers Ted Durham and Larry Durham (Karen).  Dennis also leaves behind Lily, his faithful dog, companion and protector.

Preceding Dennis in death were his son, Dennis Gary Durham II, his mother and father, Josie Ann Hilton Durham and Lawrence Bronson Durham Sr. A sister, Alice Durham Bailey and a nephew Bronson Joseph Durham.

He was able to spend the last moments with family and friends so a celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

Family will be at their respective homes. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills Carolina Foothills Foundation PO Box 336 Forest City NC 28043.  They were wonderful through our final days of our life journey.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis Gary Durham, Sr., please visit our floral store.