Richard Daniel Dennis (Cleckler), age 70, of Mount Dora, FL, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022.
Richard was born on January 13, 1952 to Arnold and Lois Cleckler in Opelika, Alabama. When Richard was four years old, his parents were killed in a car accident. He was adopted by his maternal uncle and aunt, Cecil and Marzelle Dennis and moved to Birmingham. He graduated from Banks High School in Birmingham in 1970. He went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He earned the designation of professional engineer in 1979.
After graduation, he started his career at Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, TN where he worked for 35 years. He was one of the last people that can claim doing work for all the nuclear plants, fossil plants, hydro plants, and water control plants.
In 1975, he met Suzanne (Suzi) at work. After dating for 5 months, they married in 1976 and went on the have 3 children, Derek Patrick, Barrett Benjamin and Mary Delene.
In 2009, he retired from TVA one Friday in April and on Monday he reported to work in Louisiana for FEMA. He worked with FEMA for 6 years in 8 states, that is where he learned to love the Dakotas.
Richard was predeceased by parents Lois and Arnold Cleckler, adoptive parents Cecil and Marzelle Dennis, and many loving aunts and uncles. He is survived by Suzi, Derek, Barrett, and Mary (Shaun) Walker. His grandchildren Ian Daniel Walker and Isabel “Izzy” Catherine Walker called him “Big Daddy”, the same name Richard had called his own grandfather. Also, his brother David Dennis (Barbara) of Huntsville, AL and nephew Jonathan also of Huntsville. Sister Marilyn Dennis Akin (Ray) of Helena, AL, nephew Douglas Akin, and niece Brenda Akin Wagner (Douglas) of Alabama.
