Dennis Irvin West

Dennis Irvin West, age 70, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Dennis was one of a kind—the sort of person the world doesn't make twice. A man of many talents, Dennis was an artist, collector, and lifelong hobbyist. True joy came from using those talents to create gifts for loved ones. A self-proclaimed cowboy, Dennis also earned the title of Accidental Lawdog after unintentionally helping law enforcement fight crime on more than one occasion.

To him, no one stayed a stranger for long. Once he knew your name, you were a friend for life and treated like family. Dennis loved everyone as if they were his own.

A man who was always true to himself, Dennis had no pretension, zero agenda and a spirit that couldn't be tamed. He danced like no one was watching, but people were watching and they were often left in awe of his signature dance move of “churning the butter”.

He was also known for dispensing questionable advice in the form of quotes from his favorite movies, often citing Tombstone and Mad Max. Survival skills, life lessons, or how to handle a showdown? He had thoughts.

A proud truck driver retired from Diamond Hill Plywood, Dennis spent his working years on the road—but his legacy is one of kindness, joy, and love. He was a steady presence in the lives of his family, an unwavering friend, and a deeply devoted husband and father. It is with a heavy sense of loss that we say goodbye to a man who made the world brighter, louder, and a whole lot more interesting.

Dennis will be reunited with his parents, Paul and Jessie West; siblings, Sonny West, Edna Lewis and Jerry West; parents-in-law, Howard and Ruth Hill; and sister-in-law, Rebecca Hill.

He leaves behind his wife, Debra West; daughter, Natalie (Matt) Nadler; sister, Pat West; a large extended family including, Elizabeth (Keith) Allen, Ruth Allen, Graham Allen, Wade (Teresa) West, Debbie (Mark) Sanders, Jerry “JL” (Theresa) West, Karan (Jeff) Whittaker; as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

No services are scheduled at this time.