Dennis Sandlin

Dennis passed away peacefully on June 12th after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love, humor, and integrity that touched countless lives across the country. Born May 13, 1950 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, Dennis' journey carried him from his early years in the Bay Area of California, back to Oklahoma in 1998, and finally to Florida in 2013, where he and his wife Marilyn built a home filled with laughter, love and companionship. Dennis graduated from Newark High School in California in 1968. A gifted athlete, he wore the number 44 on the football field—a number that remained his favorite throughout his life—and also competed as a wrestler. His love of sports later extended to coaching his son Tom’s youth football teams, participating in fantasy football leagues with his kids and grandkids, and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners with Marilyn.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Archie. He is survived by his mother, Deloris; sister, Tahona; beloved wife, Marilyn; children, Susy (husband Brian), Tom (wife Tina, children Brayden and Brooklyn), and Andrew (wife Kara, son Arthur). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and countless friends made throughout his years in California, Oklahoma, and Florida. Dennis built a long and successful career that reflected his strong work ethic and leadership. He began as a truck driver in the San Francisco Bay Area and exceled over many years. By the time he retired in 2021, Dennis was serving as General Manager of the McLane Foodservice distribution center in Haines City, Florida. His leadership, fairness, and ability to connect with people earned him the respect and friendship of countless coworkers and industry peers throughout his career. Family was always at the center of Dennis' world. He took immense pride in his children and grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to share their accomplishments or simply enjoy time with them. He loved his pets, tinkered endlessly with projects around the house, and could often be found watching YouTube repair videos to "fix one more thing." Dennis’ deep curiosity extended to history, especially his own family lineage, and he was always proud of his Choctaw Native American heritage. Dennis also found a meaningful and sustaining relationship with God, which offered him strength and peace through health challenges in his later years.

To those who knew him, Dennis will be remembered above all for his leadership, his unwavering integrity, his loyalty, and his incomparable sense of humor. Whether leading at work or sharing a joke at home, his ability to make people laugh was a gift that brought people closer to him—none more so than Marilyn, with whom he shared a partnership built on laughter and love. His absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, but his legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friends he cherished, and the many lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and steady example.

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 2101 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33884.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Calvary Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society.