Dennis Ray Griesse

Dennis Ray Griesse, 71, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed from this life on June 6, 2016. He was born in Cape Girardeau, Mo., on Aug. 20, 1944 to Rev. Wilbert and Doris Griesse. During his childhood, the Griesse family moved to Little Rock, Ark., then to Farmington, Mo., and finally to Fort Smith, Ark., in 1959. Dennis graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1966 and enlisted in the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. He served at Kessler AFB (Mississippi), Thule AFB (Greenland), Hamilton AFB (California) and Shaw AFB (South Carolina). Dennis left the military as a Captain and returned to the University of Arkansas, where he obtained his Juris Doctorate in 1974. Dennis held various legal positions in private practice and with the state of Arkansas in the Workforce Services and Environmental Quality Divisions. After spending several years in Little Rock, Dennis settled in Fayetteville, Ark., in the early 90's where he raised his children with his former spouse, Janet Titus. His children followed in his footsteps, attending the University of Arkansas, where his daughter Birch graduated and his son Evan is currently enrolled. Dennis enjoyed his leisure time and had several hobbies. When Dennis left the military, he returned to Arkansas in a 1974 BMW 2002, which may have been the first BMW in the city of Fort Smith. Dennis spent countless hours working on his BMW. Dennis learned to play the guitar in the military and became a very proficient "picker." Dennis amassed a small collection of guitars with his favorite being those made by C.F. Martin & Co. Dennis was also an avid reader, and this led naturally to his prowess at completing even the most difficult of crossword puzzles. Dennis is survived by his daughter Birch of Austin, Texas, and his son Evan of Fayetteville, Ark. He is also survived by his eight siblings, Deborah, Kurt, David and Daniel residing in Arkansas, Sandra and Beverly residing in Texas, Martha residing in Tennessee, and Susan residing in Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, W. E. and Doris Griesse, and two siblings Gerald and Larry. Dennis' body has been cremated, and the family appreciates condolences, but respectfully declines any flowers or donations. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.