Obituary of Thomas R. Dennett
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Thomas (Tom) Russell Dennett, was born on May 5, 1948 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and passed away on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018. He is survived by the love of his life, Nancy; his beloved four-legged companion, Indi; his daughter and her husband, Crystal Noelle & Garrett McBrayer; his grandchildren, Greenlee and Leland McBrayer; Tom and Marcia Rogull, (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Joshua Rogull (nephew), Sarah and Jon Parker (niece and nephew) and their children Emma & Charlotte.
To anyone who knew him, Tom was an amazing soul. He was generous with his love. His genuine smile and hugs always warmed your heart. He touched many lives, befriending nearly anyone with whom he came into contact. Tom was caring and dedicated to his nursing profession for over 38 years. He worked for Boone Urology for 18 years, Hospice for 10 years, and was a psychiatric nurse at New River Mental Health. In addition, he provided adult and pediatric home-health care for trach and vent patients.
In his earlier years, prior to becoming a nurse, Tom was an Art Director for WJAR Channel 10, and Horton Church and Golf, in Providence, Rhode Island. As an entrepreneur, Tom founded Dovetail Enterprises and renovated old log homes. Soon after meeting and marrying his wife Nancy, they opened a Victorian gift shop, Moss & Lace.
In his free time, he loved to garden and go fishing. He also enjoyed remodeling his own home and collecting antiques. While serving in the Naval Air force he played the bugle and with his continued love for music he learned how to play the harp. Toms imaginative abilities were manifested through the jewelry and fused glass pieces that he and Nancy created together as they pursued their passion for the arts.
His great love for the outdoors, hiking, and his sense of adventure always inspired traveling. One of his favorite passions was playing poker with his long-time best friends, Bob, David & Tommy.
Tom had a deep love for all animals. One dark, cold night traveling home from Virginia, he saw something hit his car. He stopped to check what it was only to find a beautiful owl laying in the snow. Gently picking him up, he wrapped him in a blanket and brought him home. With Toms healing hands and the help of the wildlife animal rescue facility in Banner Elk, this owl regained his health. Tom and Nancy celebrated this little owls miraculous recovery when Tom set him free in their backyard. Today Tom is wrapped in the same blanket of love he shared with others and his spirit is now set free.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m. at the Temple of the High Country, 1043 West King Street in Boone. Nancy will be sitting Shiva at her home on Saturday, November 10th from 1:00-5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 11th from 12:00-3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Temple of the High Country or the Watauga Humane Society.
Online condolences may be shared with the Dennett family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Dennett family.