Dennis Luther Haynes of Gastonia, NC, was born on March 17, 1960 in Shelby, NC.

Dennis departed this life peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2024 at his home. He was the son of Louis C. Haynes "LC", and the late Christine V. Haynes.

Besides his mother, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Shirley Jackson; Ms. Glenda Lee Haynes, his paternal and maternal grandparents, and many aunts and uncles. Dennis, affectionately known as "Papa" and "Big Brother" by his grandchildren and sister/cousins, was a 1978 graduate of Shelby High School and was awarded an Associate Degree from Gaston Community College. Dennis was a United States Air Force veteran serving a total of ten years and earning the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged. He was a long-time employee of Freightliner until his death serving as Material Specialist and Union Representative there for many years.

Dennis was a die-hard Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders fan as well as being a devoted fan of the Shelby High Golden Lions and the Duke Blue Devils. He was also a lover of music which spanned over many genres. He loved cooking for his most prized loved ones-his grandchildren. He would cook, grill, and smoke many meals for his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his lovely and devoted wife of 18 years, Penny Forney Haynes; his father, Louis C. "L.C." Haynes of Gastonia, NC; daughters, Kristia Hayes of Fort Washington, Maryland; Tiana Haynes of Greenville, SC, Sherry Crawford of Dallas, NC and Brittany Crawford of the home; son, Denzel Haynes of Charlotte, NC; brothers: Derrick Haynes and John Haynes (Christina) both of Shelby, NC; grandchildren: Tristan Hayes, Christian Hayes, and Brendan Hayes of Fort Washington, Maryland; Ti'Aisha Fullove and Trinity Hailstock of Greenville, SC; Kylah Haynes of Charlotte, NC; Christopher Crawford, Eleeya Dawkins, and Bralin Moore of the home; Jaxon Crawford of Dallas, NC; brother -in-law, Jewel Forney (Vanessa) of Kings Mountain, NC; sisters-in-law, Teresa Williams (Michael) of Hackensack, NJ; Kay Huskey (Vernon) of Patterson, NJ; cousin/surrogate mother, Carrie Crockett (Joseph) of Bessemer City, NC; cousin/surrogate brother, Allen Goodlet of Gastonia, NC; cousins/ surrogate sisters, Dr. Mary "Lib" Hall (Richard) of Charlotte, NC, Mary J. Clark (Jeff) of Gastonia, NC; Michelle Williams of Gastonia, NC. He was also survived by his aunts, Evelyn Haynes of Shelby, NC, Julia Jarrett of Kings Mountain, NC, Sandra Huskey of Kings Mountain., NC, Marie Forney of Harrisburg, NC, Trudy Forney of Gastonia, NC and Gail Street of Baltimore, MD; uncles, Gene Haynes and John Haynes both of Baltimore, MD; special cousin/nurse, Myra Miller (Dempsey) of Huntersville, NC; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 2:30 until 3 p.m. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery.