It is with regret that we announce the passing of Mr. Dennis Floyd McBay, age 67 of Fayetteville, TN. Dennis was born on January 28, 1953 in Lincoln County, TN to the late J.T. and Mardell Thompson McBay. He passed away on August 2, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Dennis was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a devoted Vanderbilt Commodores fan, as well as, a NASCAR fan.
He was born of Fayetteville and loved the town that was his home. He was a car-salesman for many years and he worked hard to provide for us and made many friends along the way. He was Coach Dennis to many, as he coached baseball, softball, and basketball over the years. He was the epitome of a family man. The pride in his family was deeply entrenched. Nothing came before or held more weight than family.
He was a son and brother. He was stead-fast in his love for his parents and sister, Brenda, who had her placed etched in his heart. He was an Uncle to one very special niece. He loved her dearly and they had a special bond.
He was a devoted Husband of nearly 50 years and passed in the arms of the woman he loved so dearly. He always found ways to show his undying love and affection to make her smile. His eyes always lit up when she entered the room. There is no place he would have rather been than by her side when his time here was over.
He was a father. He built us all up and instilled the values in each of us that we still hold true. He taught us how to live, how to laugh, and how to love unconditionally. He cried with us in the hard times, and he laughed with us in the good times. He was proud of us all and he made it a point to let us know. He was firm when necessary, and gentle when he needed. He always knew what to say to make us feel better, and when to say nothing at all.
He was a Papa. He had 9 grandchildren that he loved unconditionally. Some of the best years of his life came after he was anointed “Papa”. He had an unquestionable love for his grandchildren, and made it his purpose to make sure not only their bellies were full, but that their hearts were full as well. He engraved his place in each and every one of their hearts in a unique way. As they grow up, he will live inside each of their hearts and be with them every step.
He was many things to many people. He touched so many lives in his time on Earth. He was a selfless man. He always put others first. There aren’t enough words to sum up the space he holds in all of our hearts. He was a friend to us all, and the best of friends to some. We are thankful for the time with him here and we know we will be united again. He is no longer with us, but he is not gone. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. ”
Survivors include his wife, Diana Brooks McBay of Fayetteville; daughters, LeAnna Dendy of Manchester and Jana McBay of Fayetteville; sons, Jay McBay of Fayetteville, Jeremy (Brandy Wolfe) McBay of Kelso, and Chase (Lisa) McBay of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Kila McBay, Kaylyn McBay, Jason McBay, Ashlyn McBay, Jay T. McBay, Zoe McBay, Baylor Dendy, Abbi McBay, ArJay Kellum, and Eli Wolfe; sister, Brenda (Kenny) Jean of Kelso; special niece, Christy Jean; extended family, Jason Dendy, Melinda McBay, and Chanda Wingate.
A private memorial service will be held with the family at a later date.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Dennis Floyd McBay.
In accordance with State of Tennessee Executive Order issued by Governor Bill Lee, social gatherings are limited to no more than 50 participants. For your safety we recommend face coverings, 6 feet social distancing, practicing good hygiene, and remaining home if you feel sick. The family invites you to share memories at higginsfh.com.
I’m so sorry to hear of ur family’s loss. I’ve always thought alot of each of u. May god bless ur family and wrap his arm around yalls heart in this time of loss….y’all and in my prayers always ♥️♥️♥️
Dad…..it’s been 12 days. I miss you so much. I wih for just one more day. One more ride together. One more porch conversation. It hurts so bad, but I will be ok. I see you in everything now. The way the wind blows and rings a perfect D chord in the wind chimes. Even just looking in the mirror. I want to thank you for being the man and father you were to us all. I love you. See you on the other side.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Helen Warren Rigsby
Class of 1971
Diana, I was saddened to red to Dennis passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dianna , so sorry to hear you lost Dennis.
Diana and family, I am so sorry about the passing of Dennis. He was a classmate of mine. I will be praying for you during this difficult time.
So sorry to heard of Dennis passing me and my lived next door on Hedgemont back in the 60 we went to eight district tog prayer going up
Diana and family so sorry for your loss… I’ve always thought a lot of Dennis and boy did he love to kid me….I don’t think I ever seen him that he wasn’t smiling…I know the pain of loss and it’s a bad pain to bear that’s why I’ll pray to God everyday for comfort for all your hearts in the days, weeks and months to come…Always in my prayers❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Diana,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.
I am so sorry to read of Dennis passing. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
DENNIS WAS A LONG TIME FRIEND. A GOOD MAN.
I am so sorry to hear about Dennis. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Dennis passing. I know that he will be missed by all. Prayers sent for you all, family and friends. God bless you .
Diana an family I just came across this on Facebook! Sure sorry to hear about Dennis passing , he sure fought for a long time ! Prayers are with the family if I can help in any way please let me know!🙏❤️
Sorry for your families loss, Dennis was a sweet person.
Jana and Family ,So very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing .May God wrap his arms around each of you during this most difficult time and help with your healing.You have your treasured Memories and we are Thinking of each of you… Brenda & Joe Burns
Diana, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.
I went to school with Dennis. He was a very nice person. God Bless the Family with Comfort and Peace in the Days to Come!!🙏💖🙏
Dennis was a devoted husband and father. You can tell by the way his family has expressed their love. He will be missed by many.
Deepest sympathies go out to the McBay family. Prayers for comfort in the days ahead.
So sorry for your loss.
Dennis and I go back to his childhood playing on Hedgemont.
He will be missed.
so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. Sending love to all of you.
Ms. Diana and family
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Dennis. I know he will be greatly missed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Saddened to hear of this great loss to the McBay family and our community.
I grew up with Jay,Jermey,Chase,Jana,Leanna and Dennis always treated me like family. And was always a father figure to me through years growing up. Instilling things in me that I still go by today. He was a great family man and loved his family dearly and Vanderbilt sports!! I want each family member to know that hope God lifts each of you up and wraps his arms around you in the days to come. And know that I can’t be there to celebrate his celebration of life I love each and everyone of you!! The Travis Family
Diana , God sure gave you a treasure when he gave you this fine man. I can’t begin to know how wonderful your life has been with such a Godly husband. I know you and the family will miss him dearly. Know you’re in my prayers. As well as the family. Hugs
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Dennis. My hearts goes out to all his loved ones & prayers for strength & comforting at this time. Dennis was a good man & a good basketball coach through our PTA ball playing years. RIP Dennis
Jana,
So sorry about the loss of your dad. Prayers for you and your family at this time. Hold your memories close !
Love to you!
Lenace Hyde
I’m so sorry to hear about Dennis’ passing. The family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.