Dennis Rivers' Obituary
A Celebration of Life for Dennis Michael Rivers, age 75, of Henderson, Texas, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the First Baptist Church Worship Center. Visitation will follow in the Mall Area.
Dennis passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Hospice of East Texas. He was born on April 25, 1950, in Texarkana, Texas, to the late Arnold Elmo and Ethel Lena Rivers.
A 1968 graduate of Hooks High School, Dennis excelled in sports, lettering in football, basketball, and tennis. After high school, he attended Henderson County Junior College (Trinity Valley) on a basketball scholarship. He continued his basketball career at Southern Arkansas University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education and Biology. Dennis later earned his master’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Dennis began his coaching career at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas. He invested deeply in his students—teaching them not only about sports but about life, always guided by his love for the Lord. During his time at Barbers Hill, he was blessed to coach the 1976 State Championship football team. As the Head Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Lady Eagles, Dennis led his teams to back-to-back State Championships in 1982 and 1983.
After ten years, Dennis’ career brought him to Henderson, where he coached at Henderson High School for one year and then at Panola Junior College for one year before beginning his “second” career as Minister of Recreation in 1985. He was ordained into the ministry in 1991 and served First Baptist Church Henderson faithfully in various roles for 18 years. He became the church’s first Minister of Recreation when the Family Life Center opened in 1986 and also served as Minister of Missions, Minister of Education, and Minister of Administration. From 1992 to 1994, Dennis served as a missionary in the Seychelles Islands off the east coast of Africa.
In 2003, Dennis returned to coaching and served as Assistant Athletic Director at Henderson High School until his retirement in 2012.
After retiring, Dennis spent eight years working with Rader Funeral Home as their pre-needs counselor. During this time, he also became deeply involved in Coaches Outreach and served as a field representative for the East Texas area, ministering to coaches and their spouses—an extension of the heart he carried for both ministry and athletics.
Dennis loved playing golf and enjoyed countless hours of fun and fellowship on the golf course with many close friends. For nine years, on Friday nights, you could find—or hear—him serving Henderson ISD as the assistant “Voice of the Henderson Lions” on the radio alongside his dear friend and colleague, the late Mike Baughman.
Dennis is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Jody. They were married in the chapel at Baylor Medical Center—an unexpected but sacred venue, as Jody’s mother was critically ill, and it was there they pledged their love and commitment to one another.
He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kirkland and Amber Rivers of College Station. They have been blessed with five cherished grandchildren: Kinley June, Anniston Kate, Kampbell Jo, Asher Cruz, and Addie Lou.
Additional survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Sherry and Tuffy Williams of Hooks, Texas; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and David McMillan of Kingsport, Tennessee; two nieces; three nephews; and their families, all of whom were very special to him.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Elmo and Ethel Lena Rivers of Hooks, Texas, and by a special aunt, Beulah Kirkland of Atlanta, Texas.
Dennis’ sense of humor, contagious joy, and genuine love for people endeared him to many. One of his dear friends captured his life best with these words:
“Coach, teacher, minister, friend, servant, and community leader. But most of all, one who was always ready to share Christ.”
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Dennis’ life to consider a gift to one of the ministries especially close to his heart:
• The Children’s Building Fund at First Baptist Church, Henderson – reflecting Dennis’ lifelong love for the church and his passion for investing in the next generation.
o Mailing Address- 207 W Main St, Henderson, TX 75654
• Coaches Outreach – a ministry Dennis served faithfully, supporting and encouraging coaches and their families across East Texas.
o Mailing Address- 14140 Midway Rd Suite 102, Dallas, TX 75244
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Brazos Valley – carrying forward his legacy of investing in athletes and coaches through faith and mentorship.
o Mailing Address- Aggieland FCA PO BOX 10802, College Station, TX. 77845
These ministries represent the work Dennis cherished most: investing in children, uplifting coaches, and sharing the love of Christ. Please put “In honor of Dennis Rivers” in the memo.
As we reflect on Dennis’ life, one verse captures his spirit, his faith, and the way he finished the race God set before him:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
May this verse stand as a testimony to the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind
Funeral services for Dennis will be held at First Baptist Church of Henderson on Thursday, December 4 at 2 pm. There will be time for friends to come and visit and view at the funeral home from 12-6pm Wednesday and 8:30-11am Thursday morning before the service.
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