Patrick Harley Dennis, MD

Patrick Harley Dennis, MD, 91, entered into eternal rest on August 14, 2024. He passed of natural causes, after surviving a major stroke nearly 20 years ago.

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 68 years, Myrtle Ann Benton Dennis; sons Patrick H. Dennis Jr., MD (Rosemary), Jeffrey Benton Dennis, and daughter Elizabeth Ann (Lisa) Dennis Daly (Mike); and grandchildren Tradd Heyward Dennis, Logan Phillips Dennis, and Mary Elizabeth Daly. Dr. Dennis also leaves two especially close cousins, John Hampton Hudgens II, PhD, of Columbia, and Roy Edward Hudgens Jr., MD, of Florence, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who loved their Uncle Pat.

Dr. Dennis is pre-deceased by his parents, James Alva Dennis and Ida Mae Hodge Morris, brothers James Alva Dennis Jr. (Jean) and Bruce Morris, and sisters Jennie Ruth Dennis Richardson (Bob), and Marian Dennis McCaskill (Mac).

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 24, in First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, 53 Meeting Street at 12:00 pm, with a reception to follow in Mollie Weir Hall. The family will receive friends Friday, August 23, 2024 at the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel, 232 Calhoun Street from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Born December 10, 1932, in Lynchburg, SC, Dr. Dennis worked and studied hard to overcome his Depression-era humble beginnings and succeed in his goal of becoming a physician. He was a graduate of Sumter High School, while working numerous jobs to save for college tuition. In 1954 he graduated Cum Laude from Newberry College, where he majored in natural science, was a charter member of Blue Key National Honor Fraternity and editor-in-chief of the college yearbook. He studied at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), graduating in 1958. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1959-1963 functioning as a Flight Surgeon to the 96th Bomb Wing of Strategic Air Command based at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service. Then, after completing his residency in ophthalmology at MUSC, Dr. Dennis opened his private practice in Charleston in 1966, serving thousands of patients until retiring in 2004.

Dr. Dennis was a beloved and sought-after ophthalmologist due to his surgical skill, warm and caring bedside manner, quick wit, and the personal interest he took in each patient’s life. It was not uncommon for him to mark special events or send condolences with a short personal note, or to visit patients who were sick or in the hospital. Often he came with bright hibiscus blossoms from his and Myrtle Ann’s garden that became his calling card and always decorated his office.

Dr. Dennis was so proud to mentor and work alongside his son, Patrick, when he joined the practice in 1989. Patrick Dennis, Jr., MD, continues to care for many of those patients and their children, and they still comment on how beloved his father was. Throughout his career Dr. Dennis served as an adjunct professor at MUSC, donating his time and talent at the ophthalmology clinic as a teacher and consultant for residents and medical students and caring for underprivileged members of the community. He rose to the position of Clinical Professor, and in 2001 was awarded the status Professor Emeritus at MUSC’s Storm Eye Institute. He was on staff at four hospitals in Charleston and served as Chief of Ophthalmology at St. Francis Hospital 1998-2001. Dr. Dennis abruptly retired following a stroke, but continued to follow his former patients through his son’s practice.

Dr. Dennis was a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, the SC Medical Association, The Charleston County Medical Society, the Medical Society of SC, and the Charleston Ophthalmological Society (charter member). He is also a supporter of the Waring Historical Library of Medicine of MUSC, to which he donated his now “antique” medical instruments and medical school notes. In addition, he supported the Charleston Library Society, the SC Historical Society, the Charleston Museum, the SC Aquarium, the Gibbes Museum of Art, and his church, First (Scots) Presbyterian, where Dr. Dennis served as Deacon and Elder, and sang in the choir.

Dr. Dennis appreciated those who helped him on his journey, and always reached back to help others. His subtle philanthropy supported programs for the homeless, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the local Association for the Blind, Cedar Springs School for the Deaf and Blind in Spartanburg, as well as gifts to family, friends and patients in need. Being ever mindful of the education he received there, Dr. Dennis remained a loyal supporter of Newberry College, which in turn awarded him the Thomas E. Epting Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2005.

Pat Dennis was a prince among men, and not just as a physician. He was a snappy dresser with sparkling blue eyes, who truly adored his wife Myrtle Ann. He was a poet, writing verses often in tribute to a loved one or amusing rhymes reflecting his wonderful sense of humor. He shared his poems with patients and coworkers, and his jokes and story-telling elicit laughter to this day. He was a cheerleader at Newberry and always enjoyed and supported high school and college football teams, especially if his sons or grandsons were playing. A golf aficionado in the age of Arnie and Jack, he enjoyed playing most Tuesday afternoons — occasionally with a young Beth Daniel — until he devoted those afternoons to adventures with his grandsons instead. He was a much-in-demand dance partner at celebratory events. Perpetually youthful, he even water skied until age 70. Pat Dennis had a beautiful tenor voice which he shared in solos and with choirs at church, as well as in rollicking Broadway singalongs or caroling around the family piano as Myrtle Ann played. Always a wordsmith, Pat was an avid reader and student of history, with an encyclopedic knowledge that came in handy playing along with Jeopardy, a fond memory for daughter Lisa, who credits her father for encouraging a broad vocabulary and general knowledge as an essential element of education. Pat and his son Jeff, a writer and naturalist, shared a love of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and birding at the family farm in Walterboro, SC. Pat became quite astute at identifying the myriad birds he drew to his backyard and enjoyed watching the squirrels frolic. And every afternoon he would sit on the dock, meditating on the coastal beauty of the Lowcountry and the home where he was so contented. In summary, Dr. Dennis has rendered notable service to the Charleston community, his church, his schools, the State of SC, his country and his healing profession.

Pat was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He made a positive difference in the lives of every person he touched, and was an inspiration to many. Even after his stroke, Pat remained determined and positive, finding love and joy in life despite his limitations. His mantra: “Never, never, never give up!” After a long life well-lived, Dr. Dennis’s memory will be treasured by everyone who experienced his generosity and warmth, his intelligence and humor, his kindness and optimism, and his steadfast dedication to his family, friends and patients. He will be dearly missed and always remembered. Rest well, thou good and faithful servant.

The Dennis family would like to thank Dr. Cary Hickman, Dr. Wills Geils, and the many caregivers who supported them with love and compassion in the past couple of years, especially Dottie Todd, Karen Jones, Jim Lewis, Lathonia Stewart, and Crescent Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, or The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired SC, or a charity of your choice.