Dennis Wayne Huddleston

Dennis Wayne Huddleston, a life time resident of Grand Prairie, Texas, passed away on March 28, 2017. After a prolonged struggle with complications from a bilateral lung transplant, his precious Lord took him by the hand and led him into the Promise Land. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2017 at Eighth Street Baptist Church, 705 Skyline Road, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75051 phone 972-262-4297. Funeral 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Eighth Street Baptist Church. Pastor Jordan Tew and Pastor Fred Heath and Pastor Dave Bentley officiating. Pallbearers will be, Dennis McCormick, Kyle McCormick, Trent McCormick, Jake McCormick, Michael Vaughan II, Nathan Vaughan, Matt Woods and Luke Woods. He was born in Dallas, Texas on July 18, 1948 to William Leroy (Bill) Huddleston and Dorothy Grace Huddleston. He was one of three sons, Donald James Huddleston and Douglas Roy Huddleston. Bill and Grace would call Dennis a "Happy Hooligan" because he often woke up laughing. About those early days Dennis said "What really sticks in my mind about my childhood is that I always remember being happy. Whether it was my parents who willed this on me or whether it was something God gave me, I'm not really sure. I just know that I enjoyed all the benefits of good Christian parents and a good sound home where Mom was there to raise my brothers and me. I thank God for that." Dennis received Christ as his personal savior when he was six years old at Eighth Street Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, Texas where he and his family were founding members. About those formative years as a child growing up in church, Dennis said "Those were happy days during which I found I had a profound love for my Savior, a true compassion for people and a deep love for music." During his many years of service at Eighth Street, Dennis served as a Bus Driver, Youth Director, Children's Minister, Minister of Music, Communications Director and Adult Sunday School Teacher. He surrendered to the ministry and was licensed as a Minister in 1980. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1998. Dennis loved the work he did at his church and the many years he spent there. This showed through in his dedication to his service, his loyalty to his Lord and Savior and his love for his brothers and sisters in Christ. Dennis often said, "What spills out of us shows what's in us." This thought rings through loud and clear in the life of service he led. Dennis graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1966 and was a member of the first graduating class of El Centro College in Dallas, Texas in 1968 with an Associate's Degree in Mid-Management. He also completed studies at UTA Arlington, Dallas Baptist College, Jacksonville College and The Criswell Bible Institute. Professionally, Dennis held many jobs and was given many prestigious awards throughout his working career. He was a designer and draftsman for Ryerson Steel, Fritz W. Glitch Oil Refinery and Modular Ambulance Corporation. He retired from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Grand Prairie, Texas after 34 years where he served as Manufacturing Planner Associate Manager. Dennis' Job at Lockheed was a big part of his life and he made many lifelong friends there. Anyone who knows Dennis knows the love he had and still has, for his wife, Debbie. They met for the first time at a church service where Dennis was singing in the choir and Debbie was visiting with her friends. The year was 1968. Dennis was 20 years old and Debbie was 14. Of the time when Dennis first laid eyes on Debbie he said, "I looked at her and I lost my heart to her that moment. From the first date that we had, I knew she was the one." The two of them were married on January 3, 1970. Thus began a 47 year journey where they shared their love, their life and their dreams. To this union on April 14, 1972, God gave one son, Christopher Michael Huddleston. Dennis and Debbie devoted their lives to God, each other, their family, their Church family and friends. This dedication continued right up until the time when God called Dennis home. We know that he is now with God, but he will forever be missed by his loving wife, his family, his church family and his many friends. Dennis was preceded in Death by his father, William Leroy (Bill) Huddleston and his mother, Dorothy Grace Huddleston. Dennis is survived by his Wife, Debra Jean Huddleston of Grand Prairie, Texas, Son, Christopher Michael Huddleston and wife, Cheryl Dawn Huddleston of Frisco, Texas. Brothers, Donald James Huddleston and wife, Dorothy Ann Huddleston of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Douglas Roy Huddleston and wife, Tina Louise Huddleston of Forney, Texas. Grandchildren, Kristyn Nicole Huddleston of Ft. Worth, Texas and Alyssa Michelle Huddleston of Frisco, Texas. Many nieces, nephews and other family and church members and a host of friends. Adopted in love are his close and adoring friends, Mike and Linda Vaughan, Lety Woods and Mike Johnson. Though this is a time of mourning, Dennis would not want you to leave here in sorrow. Rather, I'm sure he would want you to leave with this parting thought, his favorite Bible verse is John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Dennis Wayne Huddleston

July 18, 1948 - March 28, 2017