Jeffrey Alan Denis' Obituary
Jeffrey Alan Denis passed away on August 15th, 2024, at the age of 68 in Clearwater, Florida.
He is survived by his wife, Hebe Denis; children, Jennifer Denis-Hill (Tiffany), Kyle Denis (Megan), and Ryan Denis (Bri); three beautiful granddaughters, Lyla Joan, Harper Rae, and Branham Grace; brother, Kevin (Kristin); and sisters, Cindy (Kirk) and Lori (Barbara). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who knew him as “Mean Uncle Jeff,” which was always said with a smile and a giggle as a playful nod to the jovial teasing and gentle roughhousing they knew him for—characteristics his granddaughters also adored in him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Leo Denis and Peggy Joan Denis (née Branham).
Jeff was born on December 4, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up on the shores of Lake Erie, he developed a deep love for the water, which eventually translated into stellar talent in boating, sailing, and water-skiing. Each summer he would dazzle crowds in his hometown of La Salle, Michigan as a member of the Lake Erie Rough Riders waterskiing club.
After graduating from Monroe High School, Jeff attended Monroe Community College to begin his collegiate career. During the summers, he also painted houses in order to work toward his goal of attending Michigan State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. This work ethic would continue to show itself throughout his studies, his career, and even the many home renovations he expertly completed in his lifetime.
Jeff graduated with his DVM from MSU in 1984 and began practicing veterinary medicine in Perrysburg, Ohio. He soon found an opportunity to move his career to Greensboro, North Carolina, where he eventually founded, built, and opened Cardinal Animal Hospital and cared for the community’s pets until he retired in 2018.
In his retirement, Jeff enjoyed, first and foremost, time spent with his granddaughters. To Lyla, Harper, and Branham, Grampy was one of the silliest, most fun, and loved adults in their lives—who always bought “the BIGGEST presents” during the holidays. He also enjoyed sailing; grumbling at the television while watching MSNBC; traveling, especially aboard cruises with Hebe; and serving as the president of his building’s condominium association in Clearwater.
Family will gather on the shores of Lake Erie for a celebration of his life. If led, please consider donating to Habitat for Humanity in his memory. https://www.habitat.org/support/honor-memorial-gifts
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