Dennis Eugene West, 73, of Hayes, passed away peacefully in his home on January 8, 2024.

Dennis was born on January 14, 1950 in Maryus, Va. to Floyd Allen and Elizabeth Elias West. Dennis was the youngest of his two siblings, Floyd Allen West and George Thomas West. Growing up in Guinea, he and his brothers had a rambunctious young life, surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dennis graduated from Gloucester High School in 1968 and completed two years of college at Christopher Newport. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Alice Clark West. Alice and Dennis were married on August 14, 1971. Guided by their faith and love, with little more than each other, they built the most beautiful life together over the past 53 years. They raised three sons, Christopher, Jonathan, and Timothy. The amount of love and pride that Dennis had for his children was no secret. Everyone who knew him knew three things, he had three boys, he loved his three boys, and he was proud of his three boys. But most importantly, he made sure his three boys always knew how much they were loved and how proud he was of them.

When their boys were young, Dennis and Alice loved most to travel and explore the country, making memories in their pop-up camper. Later in life they cherished time together, traveling alone and with friends, visiting new and dream destinations in America’s National Parks, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Dennis was blessed with four grandsons, Gavin, Chase, Isaac, and Nolan. From each of their first breaths, he became their Pappap, and they became the joy and light of his life, and of the beautiful life he and Alice had built together.

Dennis was a Christian and was active in the church throughout his life. He served as past youth director and Deacon for Union Baptist Church. In the 1980s, Dennis organized and brought Joy Explosion to Gloucester, a county-wide youth revival.

Dennis leaves behind his wife, Alice Clark West; three sons, Christopher (wife Katie), Jonathan (wife Leanna), and Timothy; four grandchildren, Gavin, Chase, Isaac, and Nolan, and two brothers, Floyd and Thomas.

The family will hold a service for Dennis at Union Baptist Church on January 18 at 2 p.m., followed by a celebration of life reception in Union Baptist Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Union Baptist Building Fund. Andrews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.