Dennis Leon Harms

Dennis Leon Harms - age 64, of Sweetwater, TN passed away on Tuesday, July 5th 2011. He is preceded in death by his father Willard D. Harms, Sr., mother Genevieve T. Harms, stepmother Louise I. Harms, and brother Daniel L. Harms. Dennis is survived by his wife Karen B. Harms of Knoxville, TN; son Daniel Lee Harms II; daughter-in-law Laura W. Harms; and grandchildren Caleb, Major, and Colby of Atlanta, GA. Surviving also include brother Gary Wise and family of Springfield, MO, Willard D. Harms, Jr. and his wife Jennifer Webster Harms of Tallahassee, FL; niece Sarina Lane and nephew Brett Fain. Dennis was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Knoxville, TN where he volunteered in the kitchen on a regular basis. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Vietnam era from 1968 to 1971. He was a member of VFW Post 5156, American Legion Post 120, Disabled American Veterans, Sweetwater Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Dennis was grand marshal of several Independence Day parades in Sweetwater, where he is remembered for his likeness to Uncle Sam. He graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, TN in 1974. Dennis attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He was an avid Volunteer fan and enlisted in the Big Orange Army in 2004. Dennis’ family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, July 8th, 2011, at Kyker Funeral Home in downtown Sweetwater. Funeral services are at 7:00 pm at Kyker’s Chapel with Rev. Dr. Carroll Wallace officiating. Interment is at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 9th, 2011 at the Old Rugged Cross section of Sweetwater Valley Memorial Park on north US Hwy 11 in Sweetwater, Tennessee. Military honors to be provided by VFW Post 5156. Dennis was an hotelier by trade, and he managed hotels far and wide during his life. Friends and family fondly remember his tenure at the Skyland Hotel in Gatlinburg, TN. Prior to his illness, Dennis was the General Manager of the Baymont Inn and Suites in Farragut, TN. He had a zest for life and he enjoyed being with (and helping) people. Dennis Harms was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Kyker Funeral Home/Sweetwater in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Leon Harms

July 5, 2011