Dennis Paul Allison, of Charleston, South Carolina, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Dennis was born on April 26, 1940, to Vernon and Catherine Allison in Chandler, Arizona, where he spent his formative years running around with his brother and cousins, clad in boots and jeans to ward off the snakes, scorpions, and thorns of the wild Arizona desert. From humble beginnings, Dennis was raised by hardworking parents: his father, a mechanic who later operated a machine shop, and his mother, a homemaker who later served in state government. He graduated as valedictorian of Chandler High School when it was still a small farming town, years before it became part of suburban Phoenix. From an early age, it was clear that Dennis was a high achiever, professionally and later as a husband and father.

Dennis attended the University of California, Berkeley in the 1960s through the ROTC program-the antithesis of what one might expect from that particular place and time. He later completed his master's degree in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla.

Dennis was a proud Navy man, completing multiple tours aboard nuclear submarines, where he spent weeks deep beneath the ocean. There, he embraced his sense of adventure, learned how things worked in some of the most intense situations imaginable, and entertained the medical staff with his remarkable ability to consume large amounts of food while remaining inexplicably thin. He eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant (j.g.), but ultimately chose to transition to civilian life, spending the remainder of his career in the energy sector. He spent the final 20 years of his career with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, tackling work that most of us will never fathom (even if explained countless times).

In 1965, while stationed at Charleston Naval Base, Dennis fell in love with Faye Godfrey over an order of Cherries Jubilee following a Navy social dance. They married in 1966. In Faye he found a lifelong partner, and together they shared 58 years of marriage until her passing in 2025. Their complementary natures were never more evident than in the kitchen: Faye loved to nourish, and Dennis loved to eat.

Being a Navy man, Dennis perhaps should have been stern and hard to please. Either that was never truly his nature, or his heart simply melted after their first daughter, Donna Marie, was born with special needs in 1968. She instantly became his delight. Brenda followed in 1969 and Kristina in 1971. Thus began the tenderhearted chapter of Dennis's life. He was far more likely to be a big softie than a strict disciplinarian with his three girls and, later, his five grandchildren. Telling and reading stories to his brood became one of his greatest joys, as well as an excellent excuse to nod off.

Dennis put his sharp mind to good use throughout his life. Copies of Popular Mechanics and Scientific American, along with hefty volumes of history, were light reading to him. Every concept and plot line was retained and could be meticulously-if sometimes long-windedly-explained. Complex calculations never posed a problem for Dennis, though everyday tasks could occasionally befuddle him. Throughout his life, he was widely admired less for his street smarts as much as for his brilliant mind, sweet spirit, and quiet humility.

A lover of a solid pair of khakis, a good tune to whistle, and a stack of sandwiches and a cup of coffee for the road, Dennis knew what he liked and stuck to it with a predictability that was hard not to admire. His sense of time wasn't measured by schedules or deadlines, but by whatever-or whoever-was right in front of him. Dennis was simply never in a rush, especially when he was giving someone his time. He had a way of making every conversation feel important. Though he often said little, he listened deeply, connecting with people through his quiet attention and genuine presence. His family and friends also knew and were blessed by his deeply embedded sense of faithfulness and generosity.

Dennis survived one year after the death of his beloved wife. His family is especially proud of the loving community he built around himself and of the devoted care he provided to Donna until the very end of his life.

As a son, husband, father, Granddad, friend, caregiver, care receiver, church member, and community member, Dennis was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his three daughters and five adoring grandchildren (Josiah, Hannah, Daniel, Max, and Remy). Although we will miss him, we rejoice that he trusted in Christ, the Lord and giver of eternal life, who is compassionate and gracious (Ex. 34:6).

His Memorial Service will be held on August 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Crosstowne Christian Church, 1941 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Beyond BASIC Life Skills in Summerville, South Carolina, or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel. 

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