Dennis “Denny” Keith McLaurin, 76, of Rockingham, died Friday Oct. 6, 2023, at Richmond County Hospice in Rockingham, surrounded by his friends and family.
He was a devoted partner to Brenda Furmage in the late years of his life, following the death of his beloved wife of over 50 years, Anne Hiott McLaurin, whom he married on Dec. 22, 1967.
In the early stages of his career, Denny served a short spell in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Naples, Italy. Following his leave from the Navy in 1967, Denny worked the length of his life in various sales positions around Rockingham and the surrounding counties. Denny loved this work, as it allowed him to meet new people and share stories as he worked — a trademark quality of Denny. In his later years Denny also enjoyed working alongside his coworkers at O’Reilly’s in Rockingham.
Denny’s work provided the ability to focus on the main love of this life — his family. Denny shared a love of the beach, music, dancing the Carolina shag, and travelling; both with Anne, and in his later years, Brenda too. He loved the Sandhills Shag Club and all the friends he made there. Denny deeply loved his children and grandchildren, often spending his time regaling them with tales of his days in the Navy, or some deeply fascinating (and often comically funny!) story of the people he encountered along his way through life. In short, anywhere Denny went, he made an impression and people loved him dearly; for his warmth, his generosity, and his humor.
Denny was a member of both St. James Catholic Church and All Saints’ Episcopal Church during his life, spending several years in the Knights of Columbus.
Denny was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Bernice Webb; his uncle, David “Pete” Lee McLaurin; his wife, Anne Hiott McLaurin; and daughter, Wendy Denise McLaurin.
Denny is survived by his partner, Brenda Furmage; his daughter, Melonie Ann McLaurin of the home; grandchildren, the Rev. Jordan Trent Heeley (Kit, Eve, JP), Victoria “Tori” Elizabeth Brigman (Graham), Jerry Wayne “Tripp” Brigman III (Kayla); his brother, Frank Bishop “Mac” McLaurin Jr. (Sybil); and cousin Patricia Nichols.
Family will receive visitors to celebrate Denny’s life at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12 at Watson-King Funeral Home, 306 E. Franklin St. in Rockingham. A private internment will occur at a later time at All Saints Episcopal Church, 217 Henderson St., Hamlet.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N U.S. Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is assisting the McLaurin family. Online condolences may be sent to watson-kingfuneralhome.com.
