Gene Stevon Dennis, 68, of St. Petersburg, FL, died Dec. 4, 2023 in Sarasota, FL. Gene was born Feb. 27, 1955 in Pensacola, FL, to Raymond and Virginia Dennis.

He graduated from Escambia High School in Pensacola in 1973. Shortly after graduating high school, Gene made his home in St. Petersburg, FL.

Throughout his life, he worked in the family auto body repair business and finished his career at the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority.

A tremendous sports fan, Gene had a fierce competitive streak. During the NFL season each year, he loved to participate in football pools and knew the rankings of everyone in the pool. He also enjoyed playing the Lotto; or a hand of Poker, Gin Rummy, Rummy 500 and other games with family and friends.

An all American boy, Gene loved Whataburgers, Church's fried chicken and everything spicy. He was especially known for his unique sense of humor and his matter-of-fact way of telling it like it is.

Most of all, he loved and adored the jewel in his life, his daughter Brandy.

Gene is survived by his daughter Brandy Kolar and his son-in-law, Shawn Kolar, of Port Charlotte, FL; his brother, Von Lamar Dennis of Lakeland, FL; his bonus daughter, Alicia Breton, of Port Charlotte, FL; nine nieces and three nephews; and countless other relatives and friends he made throughout the years. He was loved dearly by all those whom he met. He is preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Austin T. Kolar; his brother, William "Bill" Ware; and his sisters, Joyce Wright and Sherry Harrell.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends in Port Charlotte Saturday, Dec. 16.

Gene loved his dogs, too: Smiley, Corky, Winston and Buster. They gave him comfort and companionship.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Donations be made in Gene's name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Ways to Give at aspca.org Memorial and Honor gifts.