Dennis Ray Green, age 53, of Quincy and formerly of Peoria, IL, died on Sunday, January 6, 2019, at 4:02 am in his home.
Dennis was born December 18, 1965 in Hayti, Missouri, the son of E.V. and Josephine Stone Brown. He married Amy Lynn Klauser on September 16, 2017 in Quincy, Illinois. She survives.
He graduated from Manual High School in Peoria, IL. After high school, Dennis went on to Illinois Valley Community College, Southern California State University, and Western Illinois University, where he attained his Master's degree. He was a member of the Beta Phi Pi fraternity. He was also a member of the Love and Faith Missionary Baptist Church.
Dennis was a basketball fanatic, but loved sports of any kind. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bulls. Dennis also loved to watch college basketball, which he enjoyed coaching from his own living room! Dennis started playing basketball at a young age and continued playing all the way through college. He would always be carrying a basketball in his car and would be up for a pick-up game or a game of one-on-one anytime. Dennis was recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame at Illinois Valley Community College. Dennis was also a huge Chicago Bears fan, and he never missed a game.
In addition to his wife, Amy, Dennis is survived by eight children: Ashley (Britton) Citchens of Chicago, IL; Jordan Green of Chicago, IL; Devontѐ Sansom of Detroit, MI; Jocelyn Sansom of Detroit, MI; Kandace Galloway of Quincy; Adrian Smith of Peoria, IL; Zachery Schmitt of Peoria, IL; and Rae'Lyn Green of Quincy; nine grandchildren: Kamrim, Bradley, Kennedy, and Peyton Citchens; Marques and Leah Green; Jaycee Galloway; and Kameronn and Gwynn Smith; six brothers: Louis Brown of Peoria, IL; Benny Green of Chicago, IL; Frankie (Helen Johnson) Brown of Brooklyn Park, MN; Scottie (Charlotte) Brown of Minneapolis, MN; Billy Brown of Ramsey, MN; and Derrick Brown of Peoria, IL; a sister, Marilyn Green of Peoria, IL; his mother-in-law, Pam Klauser; a sister-in-law, Jamie (Robbie) Courtney; two brothers-in-law, Adam (Carmen) Klauser, and Roger (Jennifer) Klauser; numerous nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, S.T. and J.C. Brown; and a sister, JoAnn Green; and his father-in-law, Robert Klauser.
Services: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, with Pastor Alvin Riley officiating.
Visitation: 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Thursday January 10, 2019 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Memorial Service: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at the Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church on 1505 W. Martin Street in Peoria.
Memorials: Rae'Lyn Green Education Fund (make checks payable to Amy Green)
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
Timothy Wilson wrote on Jan 23, 2019:
"Dennis was like a brother in ways. If you knew him you then you were easily charmed by that smile or laugh. Is no pending deposit Dennis was the kind of person that can diffuse a difficult situation and bring about peace. His wisdom allowed you see the world through a different pair of eyes which made you think before you acted. Knowing Dennis in his leadership qualities is very easy for me to make a statement like this. There are a lot of people alive today because of Dennis Green. If you knew him, then you are blessed to known "The Teacher." On and off the court he always had time, and most importantly, he listened. With a smile that only one can compare with the likes of Magic Johnson. All is now truly well my brother, may God strengthen the family. Palms held high rest in peace! I'm personally going to miss you!"
DeAndre jones wrote on Jan 17, 2019:
"This is one of Dennis friends that went to Lincoln school and played on same team, lot of years ago. I am so hurt, I didn't get a chance to talk or seen him in years and I and alot others send there love and support to the green , brown etc... Family. From the Jones family and friends. Aka. Freddy Red. Love"
JoAnn Gore wrote on Jan 14, 2019:
"Sorry for your loss praying for the family"
Danielle Kelly-Gregory wrote on Jan 11, 2019:
"Praying for the family of Dennis Green... You will truly be missed but never forgotten ????"
Keosha Howard wrote on Jan 10, 2019:
"I am a friend of the green family but I just want to say am sorry for your lost I been reading everything friends and family and love one's been saying about this man he was loved in I no he will be missed they say God take the good first my condolences goes out to family and friends and love one's"
Cameron and Stacey Robbins wrote on Jan 10, 2019:
"We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis. We pray that God will be with your family and will help to heal your heart."
Felicia Lobdell wrote on Jan 10, 2019:
"I pray God comforts you at this time. Dennis was a great guy and always kind. May God give you the comfort you need ?"
Linda wrote on Jan 10, 2019:
"I am so sorry for your loss. It's never easy when our loved one falls asleep in death so may God's word comfort & soothe you during this heartbreaking time. Philippians 4:6,7,13"
Chris and Renee Daniels wrote on Jan 10, 2019:
"We lost a great friend and a wonderful man. May God be with you and your family and give you strength in this difficult time."
Eronda Allen wrote on Jan 9, 2019:
"Rest in god cousin Dennis if our tears could have brought you back you would have never left us but we know god makes no mistakes and he was ready for you to come home rih love cousin ronda"
Eronda Allen wrote on Jan 9, 2019:
"Rest in god cousin Dennis you are loved by so many if our tears could bring you back you would never left us but I know god makes no mistakes and he was ready for you to come home rih love cousin ronda"
Tiffany wrote on Jan 9, 2019:
"I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I met Dennis at Western Illinois University and joined the little sister program Beta Finesse to the men of Beta Phi Pi in which Dennis was a member. Truly a good brother. My GOD comfort you and your family."
Darlene Herman wrote on Jan 9, 2019:
"So very sorry for your loss, Amy. You and your family are in my prayers for comfort and peace especially during this difficult time. May God wrap his comforting arms around you and your family."
Sara Van Blair wrote on Jan 9, 2019:
"I am so sorry for your loss. Amy I have thought and prayed for you and the family since I realized it was your Dennis. I pray there will be justice. Let me know if I can do anything or if you need anything. Hugs"
Danny Smith wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"You are in our families prayers. No words can convey the sympathy and heartache we feel for you. Dennis was such a happy person and I'm sure him and God are gonna get along just fine."
Cheryl Wade wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"I am truly sorry for your loss! Your family have my deepest condolences. Rest peacefully. Gone but never Forgotten"
Michelle Barnett wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"I pray that God give you strength in this time of sorrow. Know that he is in a peaceful place and now resting in heaven."
Peggy (Maggart) Lindsey wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"I only had a opportunity to meet Dennis at couple company Christmas party - very friendly- however I felt I knew of him thru his wife Amy - she simply adored this man & was truly truly in love with him - pictures tell their story - my dear Amy I hope you find comfort for your coming days & those to follow- your heavy on my mind
Hold tight those beautiful memories you both have made which can never ever be taken"
Corey Akers wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"Gone way too soon my IVCC brother and we will all miss you. God watch over his soul and his family at their darkest hour."
Ronda Blakes wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"So sorry for your loss keeping you all in prayer"
Dwight Moore wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"So sorry for your/our loss...
Prayers for strength support unity and understanding to all friends and family.
Earth's loss is definitely Heaven's gain.
Miss you already my brother
R.I.H."
Rogers Battle wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of a fellow Brother. You will be missed. Sending great tidings to your wife, children and immediately family."
Ramyka wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"Billy/Derrick I am so sorry for your loss."
Carolyn Hooks wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"My Condolences to the entire family, My Prayers are with You All."
Desarae Green-Nelms wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"Dennis was a very loving person. He loved his family and friends. He was always smiling."
Carlos Green wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"May God bless and comfort the Green Family during this time of grief. Dennis will be missed."
Jerrica Jones wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"Sorry for your lost prayers for the family."
Jody Vaughn wrote on Jan 8, 2019:
"I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and the family. Dennis was a very good person. He always did what was necessary to take care of his family."