Dennis Scarborough

Dennis’ wit and jokes made people laugh, which in turn made them feel good, a rare talent he possessed and shared with all. Some called him Poppa, some called him Pappy or Big D. No words can adequately describe this man: loving, caring, friendly, generous, unselfish, and hard-working. As a friend and past employee said, he saw something in me, he gave me a chance, and he taught me everything. From day one I thought he was the greatest man but he only got better. He was the man that everybody knew that would give them a chance whether it was a job or buying a car. He put more trust in people than I ever would have. He told me it doesn’t matter what someone looks like or what clothes they have on.
In honor of Dennis’ life the family will be establishing, “New Beginnings”, a non-profit organization to help individuals get a new grasp on life in finding employment after incarceration or other difficult situations. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to this organization in care of Reelfoot Bank, 1491 South First Street, Union City, Tennessee 38261.
A celebration of life service will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Sunswept Baptist Church in Union City.
Visitation will be held at Sunswept Baptist Church from 9 a.m. until the hour of services Saturday.
Edmaiston-Mosley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Dennis was born September 10, 1955, in Union City, to Norman and Verdie (Tennyson) Scarborough. He married Georgianna (Whipple) Scarborough December 11, 2005. She survives. As a teenager he sacrificed and worked to support his family. For many years he worked supervising construction jobs for major structures, such as a Nissan plant, a nuclear power plant, and multiple high rises.
His son-in-law said, “Dennis has more dreams than Martin Luther King, Jr.,” and his dreams he followed. He managed the Union City Rick Hill Nissan car dealership. He then decided he would open his own dealership, Dennis Scarborough Program Cars, LLC. Other accomplishments included being a Tennessee Auctioneer Colonel, Tennessee licensed general contractor, held a CDL drivers license and was a Tennessee licensed EPA inspector. On November 17, 2015, he started working for Wallace Auto Group in Stuart, Florida, and while on the job the accident occurred.
Dennis was an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He was also actively involved with Obion County Habitat for Humanity, where he gave of his time and resources. He had also been active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars as a singer and cook, two things he loved to do.
Besides his wife, Dennis leaves behind his beloved family; one daughter and son-in-law, Toi and Cory Hartley, along with two grandchildren, Kadyn and Gage Hartley, all of Stuart, Florida; sisters and brothers-in-law, Donna and Mike Phipps of Woodland Mills, Debbie and Frank Moseley of Union City and Denise and Bo Chessor of Dresden; brother and sister-in-law, David and Donna Scarborough of Dalton, Georgia; his “other” sister, Theolinda Scarborough of Woodland Mills; and Denese Chamberlain, his “side kick” whom he called “Girl”; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends. He loved them all.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved nephew, David Scarborough Jr.; and his uncle, Phillip Scarborough.
To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit the funeral home website at www.emfuneralhome.com.