In loving memory of a life well-lived and deeply cherished.
Obituary
Abeloved son, devoted father, loyal friend, and loving brother, Dennis Bluford, age 72, of San Augustine, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 20, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease, a devastating disease for which research toward a cure continues.
Born February 11, 1953, in San Augustine, Texas, Dennis was the son of the late Acy Bluford Sr. and Vera Lee Jones Bluford. Acy and Vera had ten children, with Dennis being the ninth born. Dennis graduated from San Augustine High School, San Augustine, Texas in 1971. Furthering his education he attended Prairie View A&M University a historical Black College and University, in Prairie View, Texas where he pursued a degree in Business Administration. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and graduated in 1975. After graduation, Dennis began his career with Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked as a Conductor for many years.
Dennis became a proud member of the Groove Phi Groove (G Phi G) Social Fellowship, Inc., a nationally recognized organization with a chapter on campus. He often returned to campus to reunite with his beloved brotherhood at University Homecoming events. These gatherings were a fun and favorite time of year for him.
Known for his laid-back spirit, work ethic, and one-of-a-kind sense of humor, Dennis was a social soul who made everyone feel at ease. He was young at heart, finding joy in time spent with loved ones, watching sports, classic shows like Sanford and Son, Gunsmoke, Westerns, The Jeffersons, Forensic Files, The First 48, various judge shows, and keeping up with current events and news stories. He had a love for food, especially fried chicken wings, peach cobbler, vanilla and black walnut Blue Bell ice cream, homemade pear preserves, oven-roasted raw unshelled Spanish peanuts, and scuppernong grapes.
Dennis spent many years living in Houston, but deep down Dennis was a country boy at heart. He reminisced about leaving the hustle and bustle of the city. During his later years, he made a life decision to transition back to the beautiful country-style life (his roots) in San Augustine, Texas where he was surrounded by beautiful evergreen trees, winding country highways, and red dirt roads. He enjoyed landscaping and maintaining the property on the Homestead. After returning he re-dedicated his life to Bell Chapel Baptist Church, in San Augustine, Texas, and served as a Trustee. He also volunteered his personal time for many other activities and support services for the church and participated in other charitable activities in the community and other surrounding areas.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Acy Bluford Sr. and Vera Lee Jones Bluford.
Dennis is survived by his two beautiful daughters, born during his marriage to Venita Bluford (1987–1999). Briana (Bluford) Leach and Brittany Bluford; his siblings R.C. Bluford (Gloria), Beaumont, TX, Exie Sublett, Liberty, TX, Shirley Balloon (Walter), Forney, TX, Acy Bluford Jr. (Marjorie) Houston TX, Betty Bluford, San Augustine, TX, Earnestine Hicks, Sacramento, CA, Eunice Sigler, Center, TX, Jewel Rashall (Marion), Davenport, IA, and Joyce Windsor (Denny), Lithonia, GA. He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved and adored him.
Services honoring Dennis’s life will be held at Reed Chapel Baptist Church 206 Ironosa Rd, San Augustine, TX 75972 Saturday, May 3, 2025. Viewing of body from: 10:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. Service begins at 11:00 a.m.
In honor of his memory, flowers may be sent to Percy Garner & Son Mortuary or donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Parkinson’s Disease
As we gather to celebrate and remember the life of Dennis, it’s important to acknowledge the journey he faced with Parkinson’s disease, a journey marked by courage, resilience, and love.
What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. It occurs when certain nerve cells in the brain, responsible for producing dopamine, become damaged or die. Dopamine helps control smooth, purposeful movements, and without it, everyday tasks can gradually become more challenging.
Common Symptoms:
While Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, some of the most common symptoms include:
• Tremors or shaking, often starting in the hands
• Slowed movement (bradykinesia), which can make simple tasks take more time
• Muscle stiffness and rigidity
• Changes in balance and posture
• Speech or writing changes
Beyond physical symptoms, Parkinson’s can also impact energy levels, mood, and memory. Parkinson’s is not just about physical symptoms. It teaches resilience and the incredible power of community and caregiving. In honoring Dennis, we also honor the strength of those who live with Parkinson’s every day and the caregivers who walk alongside them. His journey reminds us of the importance of patience, compassion, and finding joy in life’s smallest moments.
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206 Ironosa Rd, San Augustine, Texas 75972
206 Ironosa Rd, San Augustine, Texas 75972
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