Silas Pritchard Dennis, Jr., (Pritchard) 82, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 7:40 p.m.
Mr. Dennis was born September 5, 1935 to the late Silas Pritchard Dennis, Sr. and the late Novella Lee Dennis. He was also preceded in death by brother, Charlie Lee Dennis.
Pritchard was an adventurer with a larger than life personality and a knack for storytelling. He began his adult life by joining the Army and marrying his high school sweetheart Lynda Efird.
After an honorable discharge, Pritchard returned to live in Stanly County, graduate from Pfeiffer College, work in the family construction supply business, Southeastern Materials, and cultivate his passions for piloting small aircraft and boats.
He and Lynda enjoyed traveling together whenever possible. Pritchard continued his career in construction supply when he took over ownership and management of Yadkin Brick Company in the early 80s.
Following a life-altering health condition in 1985, Pritchard moved to the Carolina Coast, captained a small shrimp boat, and enjoyed deep sea fishing as he recovered his health.
In the mid-90s, Pritchard’s health had improved enough that he began spending more time at his home in Stanly County and brewing small batches of muscadine wine.
In 1996, he opened Dennis Vineyards on his property in western Stanly County.
Pritchard, and the stories he told of his adventurous life, will be sorely missed by his family and friends alike.
The funeral service will be on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 3 p.m. at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 16592 St. Martin Road in Albemarle, officiated by Pastor Frederick Guy. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends following the service.
He is survived by his devoted wife Lynda; sister Betty Lambert; brother Tony Dennis and wife Kay; son Alvah Dennis and wife Cindy; son Sandon Dennis and wife Amy; four grandchildren, Hannah Curran and husband Michael, Nathan Dennis and wife Natasha, Lauren Hutchins and husband Matthew, and Leslie Brewster and husband William; and great-granddaughter, Audrey Dennis.
Memorials may be made to St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 16592 St. Martin Road, Albemarle, NC 28001.
Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Dennis family.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com.