Dennis Earl Ferrell

His Legacy… Dennis Earl Ferrell, age 75, passed away at home on March 19, 2023. He was born on February 27, 1948 in Detroit, MI to Earl and Katherine (Burgy) Ferrell. Dennis met Judith Watkins, at the age of 16, and years later got married on June 7, 1969 in Detroit, MI. He was an Architect and Builder who designed not only the home he and Judy built for their own family but also Judy’s parents’ home, which they built on an adjacent property. He was inspired by Frank Llyod Wright in architecture school and incorporated many of those elements into his own designs. He and Judy raised their three daughters in that home and lived there for over 40 years. In his later years, Dennis and Judy downsized to a condo in Howell, which they came to enjoy. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, taking family trips in the RV, and dressing up as Santa for family Christmas parties. Family birthdays were a big deal for him. Dennis would make grand gestures for his daughters, surprising them with large rose bouquets and cards. He was an accomplished Pool/Billiards Player and was a multi-year State Champion and a Finalist at the National Amateur 8 Ball Championships in Las Vegas where he competed many times as one of the highest ranked amateur pool players. Dennis was a force to be reckoned with. He began playing pool in his teens and hustled many a Pool Halls in the Dearborn Heights area while attending architecture school. His proudest accomplishment was being the proud Papa to his six grandsons. He adored them beyond measure and took great pride in sharing in all of their accomplishments – whether it be on the sidelines of their football, baseball, basketball and lacrosse games or in the auditorium watching Company C productions. Dennis will be remembered for his perseverance, true grit, and giving nature. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

His Family… Dennis leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Judy; daughters, Jennifer (Craig) Uphaus of Grass Lake, MI, Kristin (Hugh) Blake-Thomas of Brighton, MI, Tamara (Clare) Racine of Dexter, MI; grandsons, Ben and Owen Brown, Evan and Reed Blake-Thomas, and Connor and Cole Racine; and step grandchildren, Christian, Cayla, and Everett Uphaus. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Benson of Punta Gorda, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents.

His Farewell… Dennis’s family and friends will gather on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 4-8PM at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Howell Memorial Chapel. His Community Farewell will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 10AM at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Howell Memorial Chapel with a gathering beginning at 9AM until the time of service. Dennis will be laid to rest at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, MI. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Please leave a message of comfort for Dennis’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

If you would like to view the service via Facebook Live, please use the link provided. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009591305467

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