Dennis W Oxendine

Sunrise: August 8, 1952 Sunset: June 10, 2021 Dennis Wayne (Denny) Oxendine born on August 8, 1952, in Lebanon, VA to the late Richard and Audrey Oxendine entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at the Johnson City Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Denny was preceded in death by his brother Elbert (Bum) Oxendine, Knoxville, TN. Denny accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the name of our Lord and Savior, thus beginning his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In 1970, Denny graduated from Science Hill High School where he was an officer in JROTC Cadets. He was the first black man to be employed as a Pole Jock lineman by United Intermountain Phone Company, later known as Sprint where he worked in different areas for over 30 years. He was known there as the “Phone Doctor.” He really enjoyed his work because it gave him the opportunity to meet new people. With his warm personality, he never met a stranger; he could talk with anyone! Denny loved to joke around and laugh. He liked to hunt and was an avid fisherman. His favorite pastime was gardening and watching football. His favorite football teams were the Tennessee Titans and the Tennessee Vols. He loved drinking his coffee first thing in the morning and was a bean and potato man. He was a real country man at heart. Often dreaming of having a farm with acres of land, with his own fishing pond. He wanted all his children to live on his acres of land but in their own home (lol). He envisioned his grandchildren running free there, with him showing them how to fish the Denny way! When on Facebook Live, he would cheer his brother and son on when he saw them fishing on the waters in their boat. He would tell them,” Don’t forget what I showed you son, so you can get the big one!” He would talk to them as if he were there. When his daughter would facetime him, oh, how he would light up. Never mind the fact that she was married with her own family, she was still Daddy's little girl. He once tied a rope around her so he would not lose her while fishing. He did this so she wouldn’t wander far from him. That’s just like him, being the very protective daddy. Denny had a special relationship with his grandchildren, from the oldest to the youngest they all affectionately called him - Papaw. Especially the youngest grandson who looked at him as his buddy, not just Papaw, he was more than that to him. Just the two of them, going on their special rides looking for that farm with all the acres and the pond that he longed for. And of course, the candy stops! Thank God whenever his stepson stopped by. Denny knew he could relax knowing that whatever was needed to be done, he would jump right in and get it done. Even if it was just sitting and talking, watching wrestling, or running errands, that time meant a lot to him. Denny loved all his children, grandchildren, and the great grands too. He would do anything for them, near or far away. After 36 years, two young first love met, rekindled that flame, and were married. Denny leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 17 years Elder Berthanna S. Oxendine, Four children Celeste Wooten (Eric), Virginia Beach, VA: Dennis Adam Oxendine, Morristown, TN: Candida Oxendine, Hermon, ME: stepson William J. Sanders (Hannah), Johnson City, TN. Two siblings, James Oxendine (Prue), Bristol, TN: Raymond Oxendine (Carol), Johnson City, TN: Sister-n-law Mary Oxendine. Eight grandchildren, Tatianna and Alexander Carter, Virginia Beach, VA and Mikel Wooten, New Castle, PA: Zariyah Oxendine, Morristown, TN and Aniyah Oxendine, Lancaster, PA: Diana Oxendine, Hermon, ME: Destiny and Krayson Sanders, Johnson City, TN. Two great grandchildren, Amir and Prince Carter, Virginia Beach, VA., and many loving family and friends. The family will receive friends at Birchette Funeral Home and Mortuary in Johnson City, TN on June 19, 2021, from 12:00pm – 1:00pm with a private service following.

Dennis W Oxendine

August 8, 1952 - June 10, 2021