Carroll Wayne Dennis

Carroll Wayne Dennis, 84, of Holly Springs, NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Known affectionately as “CW” or “Denny,” Carroll was born on February 11, 1940, in Charleston, SC, to Grace and John Dennis. He spent his childhood in Charleston and Beaufort, SC, before attending Clemson University (Class of ’62). While at Clemson, he was a proud member of the inaugural pledge class of Kappa Delta Chi fraternity and a lifelong supporter of the Clemson Tigers.

Carroll dedicated 20 years of service to the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Major. During his military career, he was honored with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his acts of valor. One of his most cherished assignments was serving as an ROTC instructor at the University of Florida, where he worked closely with the “Gator Guard.”

Following his retirement from the Pentagon, Carroll and his late wife, Betty, relocated to Holly Springs, NC. He continued his professional career with the NC Division of Employment Security until his second retirement. In his later years, Carroll enjoyed antiquing, cooking, yard work, and occasionally golfing.

Carroll is survived by his children: Britt Dennis (Susan Yaroma), Todd Dennis (Christi Williams), and Andrea Steele (Matthew Steele). He was a proud grandfather to Kathryn, Jessica, Kaylie, Natalie, Maren, and Callie. He is also survived by his sister, Laura Brown, and sister-in-law, Janet Stewart.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Stewart; his son, Ryan Dennis; and his grandson, Patrick Dennis.

Services in North Carolina:

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 8, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Thomas Funeral Home Chapel, 401 North Ennis St., Fuquay-Varina, NC.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 1005 Wilbon Rd., Fuquay-Varina, NC.

Services in South Carolina:

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2024, at 12:30 PM at Historic St. Peter’s Church, 710 Carteret St., Beaufort, SC, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary St., Beaufort, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Military Missions in Action or Clemson University in Carroll’s memory. Specific details for these contributions will be posted shortly.