Denny Roy Burris

It is with deep love and grateful hearts that we announce the passing of Denny Roy Burris, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, firefighter, chaplain, pastor, and faithful servant of God. While we grieve his absence, we rejoice knowing Denny has gone home to be with his Savior—whole, restored, and at peace. Denny was born on July 21, 1946, in Dallas, Texas, to Homer Burris and Louise Massie and received his eternal reward on January 12, 2026. Throughout his life, he was known for his courage, compassion, steady presence, and deep commitment to serving others. Denny met the love of his life, Nancy Sandling, in middle school. They dated all through school graduating together from Lancaster High School in 1964. They were married on March 5, 1965, and shared 60 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, laughter, and steadfast devotion. He began his career serving the city of Dallas as a firefighter in 1968, answering the call when others ran from danger. He understood the risks, long hours, and weight of the badge, yet served with pride and humility. That same heart of service led him into ministry. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Dallas Baptist University in 1976. While earning his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Denny worked for the Lancaster Fire Department from 1979 to 1981 where his loyal brothers there often covered for him while he went to class. While at Lancaster FD and going to seminary, Denny began his role as a volunteer chaplain for Dallas. In 1982, Denny was appointed Chaplain of the Dallas Fire Department, becoming a steady presence in moments of fear, loss, and uncertainty. He was instrumental in the creation of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program, helping establish care systems that continue to support firefighters today. He also served as Chaplain for the Texas State Association of Firefighters for 20 years. After retiring from the Dallas Fire Department, Denny pastored Grace Community Church in Mabank, Texas, for 10 years, continuing his calling as a shepherd of hearts. His compassion extended beyond the fire service and church through years of involvement with Denton State School, organizing joyful outings for residents, and through his dedicated support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, particularly the MDA–Dallas Firefighter Program. Denny’s life of service was recognized with numerous honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Friends of the Dallas Fire Department and an award from the Muscular Dystrophy Association for his advocacy and support. Though appreciated, recognition was never his goal—people were. To those who knew him professionally, Denny Burris was a trusted voice and quiet source of comfort. To his family—especially his grandchildren—he was simply Pappy, a man who modeled service without seeking recognition, leadership through kindness, and faith lived out daily. His legacy lives on not only in the departments and churches he served, but in the lives he touched and the values he passed down. Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Burris and Louise Massie; his brother, Bruce Burris; his father-in-law, Jack Sandling; his mother-in-law, Dera Sandling; his stepmother, Novilene Burris; and his nephew, Derek Lee. Denny is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Nancy Burris; his children, Kirk Burris and his wife Tammi, Kristi Courtney and her husband Tim, and Keith Burris and his wife Mariann. He was a proud grandfather to Mindy Hensley and her husband Jody, Aaron Gray and his wife Jennifer, Seth Burris, and Ellie Burris; and a joyful great-grandfather to Haylee Stephens, Austin Hensley, Jayden Gray, and Jacey Gray. He is also survived by his sister, Carole Russell; his sister-in-law, Lisa Lee, and her husband Jerry; his nephews Jimmy, Ronnie, and Terry Russell; his niece, Gina Maier; his stepsisters, Kitty McCommas and Connie Couch; his cousins, Boyd Burris, Bobby Burris, Bill Burris, Marilyn Terry, Marsha Brown, Jackie Thigpen, Cathy Martin, and Judy Knight; plus many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends. Denny’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love—and he will always be remembered not just for what he did, but for who he was. On behalf of the family, a heartfelt thank you is given to the staff and all of Denny’s caregivers at Arabella Memory Care in Red Oak. We are forever grateful. A visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Lancaster. A celebration Denny’s life will be at 11:00am on Saturday, January 24, 2026 also at First Baptist Lancaster. DFD Honors will be rendered immediately following the service at Edgewood Cemetery in Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in Denny’s name to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

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Denny Roy Burris

July 21, 1946 - January 12, 2026