Hershel Zaire Malcom Dennis

Hershel Zaire Malcom Dennis Reflection of Life Hershel Zaire Malcom Dennis was born on July 1, 1975, in Long Beach, California to Dr. Hershel (Dino) Dennis and the late Nancy Octavia Johnson. Through this union, Hershel was their only son, and he is survived by his older sister Lela (Dede) Demetrices Dennis. Hershel accepted Christ at an early age while attending First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, California where he was a member with his mother and sister. Hershel was a healthy child growing up, full of joy and always had a beautiful smile on his face. He was a delight to be around and had many friends. He loved his family, and spending time with his two younger brothers Dino and Patch. Often taking them to Pop Warner football practices and doing a lot of side coaching. Hershel adored his big sister, Dede. He always thought he was the big brother. Hershel shared a special bond and closeness with his brothers and sister. He also developed a close relationship with his cousin, Eddie Eagle Spirit, they were two peas in a pod, tight like brothers. Hershel graduated from Diamond Bar High School where he excelled in football and earned several athletic awards. He attended Rio Hondo Junior College to pursue a degree in Fire Science and play football. He decided to pursue a career in football instead of becoming a firefighter, which was a hard decision to make because his dream was to do both. Later, he went to Orange Coast Junior College, where he began to experience symptoms of blurred vision and dizziness while playing football. In 1995 he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a neurological disease. MS caused an unexpected end to his football career. Hershel then began pursuing other opportunities and took an interest in real estate. He also worked in the family business, Dennis Nursing Home in Charleston, South Carolina. Throughout the years, the disease became progressively worse and took a toll on Hershel's health. He became wheelchair bound and eventually bedridden. The steps he took to deal with MS was to have a strong family support system, maintain a positive attitude by staying grounded in his faith, research as much as he could and seek ways to slow the progression of the disease through medical advice and treatments. As a result of his experiences with MS, he formed a non-profit foundation - 501(c)(3) to help others with Multiple Sclerosis that were wheelchair bound like him. His foundation HDMS (Hershel Dennis, My Strength) had a basic philosophy that focused on strength, healing and winning. If he could not win, he wanted to be brave while fighting the disease. His positive attitude gave him patience and kept him strong. Hershel leaves behind two beautiful daughters Saia Michon Zaire Garcia-Dennis and Jade Idalia Negron-Dennis. Saia and Jade are his proudest accomplishments and loved them very much. He did his best to spend as much time as he could with his daughters to create #GirlDad moments as they grew up. The last 5 years of Hershel's life was spent with his mother, Nancy Octavia Johnson, who was also his primary caregiver. They too, had a special unbreakable bond that lasted to the very end. Hershel never complained and was always grateful for whatever anyone did for him. His memory will live through those who loved him. He will be missed and forever be remembered in our hearts. On Wednesday, June 6, 2023, at the age of forty-seven, our Lord called Hershel Zaire Malcolm Dennis to his eternal home. He and his mother left this life together. Hershel is survived by his daughters, Saia and Jade, his father, Dr. Hershel (Dino)Dennis (Patricia), sister, Lela (Dede)Demetrius Dennis, brothers, Hershel Pettiford, Dino Dupre Dennis, Hershel (Patch) Dennis, Michael Williams (stepbrother), and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. ~I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. ~ ~ To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. ~ Cards and Donations for Hershel can be sent to: HDMS Foundation or 35520 Snead St. Beaumont, CA 92223 Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Wednesday 6/28, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Reception The Corona Club 1212 E 6th St #1617 Corona, California 92879 (951) 371-9060 | Wednesday 6/28, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm