Dennis Keith Alvis

Dennis Keith Alvis, Sr., age 76, of Morristown, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 26, 1949, in Rogersville, Tennessee, and moved to Morristown in the third grade, where he made his lifelong home.

For more than three decades, Dennis dedicated his career to the Morristown Parks and Recreation Department. Beyond his professional service, he touched countless lives through coaching Morristown’s Minor/Little League Baseball teams, the Bees and Padres, as well as recreation league girls’ basketball. His commitment to his community extended further as he faithfully served as a Hamblen County Commissioner, a Morristown City Councilman, and a member of the Emergency Management Board.

Dennis was a devoted member of Buffalo Trail Baptist Church for over fifty years, where he served as Chairman of Deacons and Sunday School Director. Among his many roles, his most cherished was driving the church van to bring neighborhood children to Wednesday services and Vacation Bible School. His servant’s heart left an enduring mark on his church family.

In his free time, Dennis enjoyed golfing, gardening, and “piddling” in his shop with his old cars and trucks. He also loved traveling with his brother Sandy to NASCAR races, where they spent time with Rusty Wallace’s crew and even delivered dealership cars for the team to use. Above all, Dennis was deeply dedicated to his family and friends, always placing their needs and happiness at the center of his life.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Marlene Davis Alvis; daughter, Lindsay Alvis Starnes of Chattanooga; son, Dennis Keith Alvis, Jr. of Morristown; and his cherished grandchildren, Laura Starnes and William Starnes of Chattanooga. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews Lynn Ryan, Josh Davis, Cody Davis, Summer Creech, Buffie Simerly, and Kaiti Goskie; as well as brothers-in-law Steve (Gayle) Davis and Gary (Lisa) Ryan; sisters-in-law Gail (Gary) Hudgens and Linda Davis; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Mary Ruth Alvis; brother, James (Sandy) Alvis; sister, Barbara Ryan; nephew, Robert Hudgens; brother-in-law, Michael Davis; and his father- and mother-in-law, Emory and Mary Davis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Buffalo Trail Baptist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dennis will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his commitment to service, his devotion to family and friends, and the love he shared with his community.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Sunday,  August 31, 2025, at Buffalo Trail Baptist Church prior to a memorial service at 7:00 pm with Doctor Keith Mowery officiating.

Allen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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