Dates
Dennis Phariss changed his address on February 11 when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He came into this world on April 15, 1954, the son of Larry and Bertha Phariss. He was born again at age 16 when he surrendered his life to Christ. He graduated from Jacksboro High School (Texas) in 1972, wandered a little bit, and joined the U.S. Air Force in April 1977.
In the military he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan as a Mandarin Chinese linguist. He then became a Spanish linguist and spent the remainder of his time in the service in this field. After 15 years serving his country, he was honorably discharged in 1991. Using his military benefits, he graduated from Angelo State University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication in 1995.
Two years into his military service he met, fell in love and married his soulmate, Mary Ann. They have remained steadfastly committed to each other since May 12, 1979. Two years after their marriage, Larry John Robert Phariss was born 1981. In 1988 David James Andrew Phariss arrived.
After his marriage, Dennis drew close to the Lord and sensed the Lord’s leading him into vocational ministry. He started this journey serving as a volunteer at Belmore Baptist in San Angelo in the music ministry while stationed at Goodfellow. He would spend 33 years in vocational ministry, 15 in music ministry and 18 as pastor. He eventually earned a Masters in Church Leadership degree from Luther Rice Seminary.
He was deeply committed to God’s Word and sharing it with others. God’s Word became the foundation of all he taught, preached and lived. He told others that while he was not perfect, the Word of God is, and it should be followed and obeyed. He served numerous churches in the Concho Valley sharing and teaching God’s Word faithfully.
His memory and legacy is carried on by his wife, Mary Ann Phariss, his son Larry John Robert Phariss, his wife Laura Schaule Phariss, daughters Sarah Rose Schaule Phariss and Hannah Paige Phariss. And his son David James Andrew Phariss, wife Taylor Dawn Phariss and children, Jesslyn Dawn Phariss, Aleigha Breann Dayle Phariss and Hartley Davynn Elizabeth Phariss. His sister Laurie Phariss Hearn and sister Melissa Farris and her husband Clinton, his brother Keith Phariss and his wife Becky plus 13 nephews and 15 nieces.
Rejoicing with him in heaven are his parents, grandparents, brother Michael Phariss and nephew Buddy Joe Fowler.
A celebration of life will be held at Belmore Baptist Church, Friday, February 14, 2020 at 10:00am. Visitation will be at Harpers Funeral home Thursday February 13 from 5-7pm. Dennis came to hate neck ties. He once said that every time he put on a tie, he felt like he was putting a noose around his neck, so the family invites you to come relaxed.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations may be made to the Cancer Society of America, Pastoral Care Ministry of the Concho Valley Baptist Association or the ministry of your choice.