Dennis was born in Washington, DC, on October 8, 1935, and grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. He attended Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, Virginia, where, as a senior, he attained the top position as First Captain. On April 14, 2018, he was inducted into the Staunton Military Academy Hall of Fame. After graduation, Dennis attended the University on North Carolina where he was a member of the baseball team and ATO fraternity.

Upon leaving UNC, Dennis entered the management training program with Sears Roebuck and Company in Norfolk, Virginia. He managed several departments (automotive, furniture and large appliances) before being promoted to management as a floor manager. He was promoted to Greenville, Mississippi, as Assistant Manager. He later held this Assistant Manager position in Gulfport and Biloxi Sears stores.

Dennis took an early retirement and joined a local department store as Operating Manager for 2 years to help an expansion into surrounding communities.

On completion of the special project, an opportunity came to join a local automobile dealership where he was recognized as a member of top sales people in the country both with Cadillac and Oldsmobile. He was at the dealership for 19 years.

Dennis was a member of the Gulfport Kiwanis Club over 35 years. As a member of the club, he was recognized as a Distinguished President of the Kiwanis Club and a Distinguished Lt. Governor of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. During this time, he was chosen Kiwanian of the Year for leading Kiwanis' worlwide service project to supply iodized salt to Third World countries. During these years, Dennis was active on the District Level of Kiwanis (Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee) serving as Chairman of many District committees. In 2006-07, Dennis became Governor of the Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee District. He was recognized that year for the Number 1 Growth District in North America (new members in North America).

In 2005, Katrina hit the Gulf Coast area. With so much destruction, Kiwanis volunteers from around the world were instructed to contact Dennis for assignments in Louisiana and Mississippi. Dennis and Ame took over 75 volunteers in their home at different times.

After his year as Governor, Dennis served Kiwanis International on several committees. In 2012, he was elected to a 3 year term on the Kiwanis International Board which consists of 16 Trustees and 4 officers. In this position, he served on 2 major committees and was counselor/advisor for Districts across the world. His Districts were Alabama, Illinois/East Iowa, Southwest (New Mexico and Arizona), Capitol (Virginia, Maryland and Delaware), Texas/Oklahoma, South Korea, Philippines, and France.

Through the years Dennis has served on the Board of                                                                                                                                                   

1. The Gulf Coast Rescue Mission                                                                                                                                                                                   

2. The Wings Performing Arts at Lynn Meadows Discover Center                                                                                                                                   

3. The United Way Loaned Executive Branch                                                                                                                                                                   

4. The de L'Epee Deaf Center

Dennis has extensive hours volunteering at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and de L'Epee Deaf Center where he operated the food bank every Thursday. The food bank honored Dennis by naming the bank, The Dennis Oliver Food Pantry.

In 2010, Dennis was asked and accepted the position to lead the Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee District in Kiwanis' newest worldwide service project, Eliminate. This project was to rid the world of tetanus through fundraising 110 million dollars. This was a 10 year commitment.

In 2011, a very special recognition came to Dennis when the Corporation for National and Community Service presented Dennis with President Obama's Outstanding Volunteer Recognition.

Dennis and Ame were Saints season ticket holders for over thirty years. Travel with Kiwanis meant missing too many of the home games, so they gave up their tickets. That year the Saints went to the Super Bowl!!!

Dennis was appointed to the Kiwanis Children's Board and served one year. In 2025, Dennis was one of the five selected to the first Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee Hall of Fame.

He prided the fact that he was Chairman of the Catholic Charities Board for five years. He was the only member not a Catholic. He loved serving on this Board and being part of the many wonderful projects that they do.

Dennis was an active member of Ramsay United Methodist Church over 45 years. He then became an active member of Beauvoir United Methodist Church for over two years.

Dennis was first married to Sandra Storey. They had two daughters. Later, he married Ame Deen who had two daughters. Ame and Dennis were married for over 46 years. Their four daughters are Darienne Mobley (Dan); Darla Davis (Mack); Gayle Ladnier (the late Chuck Ladnier); Lisa Duggins (Jay). Dennis' grandchildren are: Storey Wilson (Nick), Hannah Bennett-Chew (Kipp), Olivia Wilhite, Jacob Ladnier (Pearly), Elijah Ladnier (Raini), Rachel Windom (Zachary), Joel Ladnier (Ashton), Sarah Ladnier, Sam Duggins, and Ame Offerdahl (Jameson).  He also had 8 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way!

Dennis loved his family. He loved his volunteer activities and his churches. He lived his life serving others.

Pallbearers are Dennis' grandsons and long-time friend, Greg Crapo.

 Honorary Pallbearers are Gary Dale, Frank Scott and Al Calcote.

If you wish to make a donation in Dennis' memory:                                                                                                                                                         

The Kiwanis Children's Fund. 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196                                                                                                         

The Catholic Charities, de L'Epee Deaf Center 1450 North Street, Gulfport, MS 39507                                                                                                 

or any charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow at the funeral home until 3:00 pm. Burial will be at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport is serving the Oliver family.