Dennis Cecil McClease Sr.

Manteo- Dennis Cecil McClease Sr. was born December 25, 1926 in Manteo, NC to the late Samuel and Edna McClease. Dennis attended local Manteo public schools. Immediately following high school he enlisted in the Army and served in World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Dennis met Ossie V. Miller in Norfolk, VA in 1956 and relocated to Newark, NJ. In Newark Dennis he worked as a truck driver, and as aircraft traffic personnel for UPS and Signature Airlines. Dennis had a love of cars and trucks and worked as a mechanic. He was also a Mason and a long time Teamster.  Dennis was a soldier and a man of determination and courage. He embodied many wonderful qualities. He was a family man and a dedicated father, grandfather and husband.

Dennis Cecil McClease was predeceased by his parents Samuel and Edna McClease, his loving spouse, Ossie V. McClease, his siblings Samuel, Thomas and Mable McClease, and Naomi Bryant, and his son, Sylvester Williams.

 Dennis leaves to cherish his memory his children; Annette (Julius) Butler, Eugene (Christine) Gray, Alfred Robinson, Ronnie (Belinda Brooks) Miller, Barbara Ann (Douglas Valentine) McClease, Naomi (Achan) Bey, Dennis McClease Jr., Samuel McClease, Yvette (Darren)Jones, Charlotte McClease; a daughter-in-law, Roxanne Williams; a sister-in-law Lillian Miller and  brother George (Pensacola) McClease and 27 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 3great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends may call Tuesday February 1, 2011 from 6 to 9 pm at the Gallop Funeral Services Chapel MP 16 in Nags Head. The funeral will be held Wednesday February 2, 2011 at noon at Free Grace Disciples of Christ Church in Manteo with viewing one hour prior.  Pastor Carrie G. Holmes will officiate. Interment with military honors, will follow immediately at Free Grace Church Cemetery on Burnside Road in Manteo.  Condolences to the family may be expressed via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.  Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.