Dennis R. Gifford

Voted 1971 Mountain Home High School's Senior class' "Most Vivacious" Dennis R. Gifford, 65 Laborer, fisherman, ardent union supporter, staunch democrat, real-life cowboy, Robert Plant, Roger Daltry, Peter Frampton look-a-like, motorcycle enthusiast, conversationalist, horticulturalist, sage-advice giver, mentor, champion of the underdog, car seat karaoke critic, home talent show judge, arm-chair Jeopardy champion, crossword puzzler, lover of all music/dance, movie critic, Cubs fan, family celebrity, devoted son, husband, father, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend died Sunday December 2, 2018 in Punta Gorda, Florida, of natural causes. That day Big D was doing what he so enjoyed "living the Florida dream", "copping some rays by the pool" with his loving soulmate, Becky by his side. He is survived by his cherished family; wife, Becky Curry Gifford, children, Kelli (Kregg Hamilton), Stefanie Curry Stout, & Billy Curry, grandchildren, Dereka Stout, Blake Stout, Jade Curry, Shayla Shanklin, Tanner Curry, Jess Hamilton, Elle Hamilton, & Brayden Curry, and great grand-daughter Daely Crisman, brothers James "Tuffy" Gifford, & Sammy Gifford, sisters, Juanita (Jim Doc White), Mary (Jack Wood), & Rebecca (Glen Dalton), nieces, Susie Culkin, Cindy Nowlan, Joann White Phillips, Lisa Wood Schraw, Laura Wood, Jackie Wood Blasdel, Rebecca Hawkins, Telisa McAbee, Melissa McAbee, Kara Dalton & Kristin Dalton Lee, nephews, Jeff White, James White, Clint Gifford, Wade Hicks, Justin McAbee, Danny McAbee & Josh Nickell, innumerable extended family, and a vast network of friends, including his best friend, Mike Hartnett. He was preceded in death by his loving parents James E. Gifford & M. Genevieve Gifford, brothers Jonny Dale Gifford, Herbert Eli Gifford, sisters Eula Bethene McAbee, & Felecia Sue Nickell, his best friends James Bruce Smithson & Bob St. Cerney. Dennis was born at home in Mountain Home, Arkansas on August 14, 1953 the seventh of ten children. He was baptized in Christ at the Norfork Lake in Mountain Home, where he was a member of the Eastside Baptist Church. Dennis joined the Pekin Laborers Union Local 231 on May 24, 1977 where his unparalleled work ethic, energy and accountability did not go without notice. He retired proudly after 40 years of service, and was still a member of Peoria Laborers Union Local 165 (just in case). In retirement he worked part-time as a first mate to the King Fisher Fleet Sightseeing & Charter fishing service in Punta Gorda, Florida. On the move constantly, Big D could be seen bicycling around town, working-out at the Pekin Parkside, reading at the Pekin Library (he worked on the brick there), and of course sporting the best tan poolside at Dragon Land. He marched faithfully every year in the Pekin and Peoria Labor Day parades, volunteered with Pekin Booster clubs, and was an active participant in the Burnt Store Lakes Condominium Association. Dennis was a member of National Rifle Association and the Elks Lodge of Punta Gorda, Florida. Having a gregarious nature, contagious energy, keen memory for names (or nicknames), and an overwhelming generosity lent to the blessing of a vast network of friends. He did not know a stranger! Denny could be counted on to shovel snow, mow a lawn, carry groceries, give a push to neighbors and strangers. His infectious optimism and lust for life served as an inspiration. It is no secret that what brought Dennis the most joy and delight were his eight grandchildren and new great-granddaughter. PaPa Dennis was as big as they come, and a known "baby whisperer", treating each one with a special tenderness and encouragement that only a grandparent can. The sign at the back door read, "Grandkids welcome…leave parents at home". He was their biggest cheerleader, always the loudest yeller and clapper at graduations, sporting events, and performances. PaPa was a faithful confidant, protector and defender. They were truly the life accomplishment of which he was the most proud. Uncle D thoroughly adored his eighteen nieces and nephews. He took the time to get to know each one, calling and visiting frequently. He made each one of them feel like his favorite. Dennis implicitly expressed that he was not interested in a traditional funeral service. As this is a crushing and profound loss, arrangements for a casual tribute to Dennis will be announced at a later date in the Pekin Daily Times and the Baxter Bulletin. The entire Gifford family thanks you so much for your patience and support. In the meantime, Dennis would want most for you to drop the Governor of Florida, Rick Scott, an email, text, tweet, post about the pollution/destruction occurring in the Florida waters that he loved so much. He might also tell you to stay out of the left-hand lane unless you are passing, use your turn signal, look out for motorcycles, and vote in every election…especially if you are a working man…Stay Salty…Fist Bump… A casual tribute for Dennis will be held: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 6-8pm The Pekin Moose Lodge 916 2605, Broadway, Pekin, IL, 61554