Dennis Ray Hendley

Dennis Ray Hendley was born February 22, 1930, to Albert and Beatrice Hendley and grew up in Dixie.

During his life, he was a veteran, farmer, mechanic, certified Allis Chalmers dealer, and Owner/Founder of Dennis Equipment Company. His company, now known as DEC Engines, is still a family-owned business today.

He was a faithful member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church for many years, where he served as a deacon and song leader.

Dennis had many hobbies which included restoring cars, attending car shows, quail and duck hunting, and attending baseball and basketball games. He spent many hours restoring a 1930 Model A Ford, 1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Coup, and a 1949 Nash, which was used in the movie Walk the Line. He loved his bird dogs, which were often named Queenie or Lady. He could often be found at a ballgame cheering on the ASU Indians/Red Wolves or the Brookland Bearcats. He also loved going to Busch Stadium to see the St. Louis Cardinals play.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Cecil Norman; one brother, FM “Bug” Hendley, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Dale Johnston.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marvel Gean Hendley; two daughters, Diane (Larry) Montgomery and Darlene (Keith) Downs; two grandchildren, Kerry (Brian) Arnold and Kyle (Chassidy) Downs; one great-granddaughter, Karoline Hendley Downs; one sister, Sharon Johnston; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Hendley Shurley and Thelma Lee Sparks; and many beloved family and friends. He was also blessed to have two wonderful caregivers: Tristen Dunn and Patricia Bittle.

Pallbearers will include Shaun Smith, Anthony Smith, Greg Garner, Mark Travis, Eddie Flinn, and Brandon Travis.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., December 11, at Walnut Grove Baptist Church. Services will follow with Bro. Leon Harvey officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pine Log Cemetery 11656 Hwy 49 N Brookland, AR 72417. To honor Dennis’ time serving our country in the Army, Jodie Seaborn will be performing Taps at the graveside.