Dennis A. Spurgeon
December 26, 1946-July 24, 2019
SPURGEON, Dennis Allen, 12-26-1946 to 7-24- 2019. A quintessential Southern Gentleman. He was loved and will be remembered by his many friends and extended family throughout South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. He is survived by his husband, Andrew Hardie; and their two beloved pets, Ava and Noodles. Dennis was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He moved to Virginia and attended Lynchburg College, before settling in Richmond, where he retired as an auditor from the Department of Motor Vehicles. For those who met Dennis, it was an unforgettable experience. For those who knew him well, he left a lasting impression. He was compassionate, generous in spirit and brought out the best in people. His spontaneous nature would uplift those in any situation at any time. He enjoyed the finer things in life and loved to share them with those around him. During their 40 years together, Dennis and Andrew had a passion for travel, food and entertaining, which was reflected in their restaurant, Chez Foushee. He will be lovingly remembered by all. Please join us to share in our remembrance of Dennis on Saturday, August 10th, 2:30pm at Affinity Funeral Services (2720 Enterprise Pkwy in Richmond, Virginia). RSVP below:
What a wonderful man! Andrew, you have our deepest of sympathies.
Andrew, you are in my thoughts & prayers! God bless you in this difficult time.
Very sadden to learn of Dennis’s death. Love and Prayers to Andrew and family.
Andrew,
My heart aches for you. You and Dennis were an inspiration to me in the short time that I have know you. Your devotion and singleheartedness towards one another are an example to all in how to live one’s life. Robin
My heart is so heavy over this great shock. Dennis showed me how to live fully and joyously and with great empathy. He was a shining light everywhere he went. Andrew, Zack and I send you our love and prayers.
What an amazing human, he made everyone he came in contact with feel like family. You are missed and loved by so many. My heart goes out to Andrew and your family.
So very saddened to have learned of this old friend! Many good times will be remembered. Love and peace to Andrew. RIP
Saddened to hear Gardner Phillips
Andrew, we are thinking and praying for you during this very difficult time. Dennis was so fun, gracious and giving. Although we did not get to spend much time together I cherish the sweet memories I have from over the years. Please know we love you,
Martee and Alan Goldberg
andrew, very sorry to hear about the loss of dennis he was a very special person
Andrew, I was privileged to spend some time with Dennis at VCU’s Dalton Clinic where I work part time. I want to tell you that he was a sweet, gentle man who loved life, fought courageously and give it his all. I am richer for having known him. My heart goes out to you at this time of great loss. Sincerely, Jim Bonomo
Andrew, Janis and I are so saddened to hear of Dennis’ passing. We will always remember his wonderful personality and good cheer. We all go back so far, to the beginning of Chez Foushee as your next door neighbor downtown. Our hearts are with you during this incredibly difficult time. Dennis was one of the best.
as i have always said you had one of the good ones!!!! we will all miss him dearly, a man with great kindness and generosity and always good for laugh. we loved him and you love you…..with our deepest sympathy Thom and Garren
We are really saddened to learn of Dennis’s passing. Dennis is/was bigger than life. He had such an exuberance about him that was infectious. We certainly treasure the life-long friendship that was established when Bill and Dennis worked together in the 1970s. We are glad that you two had 40+ amazing years together with many fantastic experiences, and we hope that your memories will bring you comfort. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers, Andrew. With love – Bill and Kathy
I am saddened to hear of Dennis’s passing. I worked with him in the 1970’s at DMV in the Fuel Tax Department. He was a very nice and compassionate person. May his memory be eternal.
I do not even know how to begin to express my sympathy or feelings of loss.
Andrew, my heart goes out to you. Although I had lost touch with you and Dennis, I will never forget meeting Dennis in the 1970’s and the years of good times and fun we shared. Dennis was a gentle, kind, thoughtful and caring man with a great heart and soul. Men like him are so rare, and you are in my prayers for his loss.
We will always cherish the times we spent together. Thank you both for sharing your friends and family with us over the years. Andrew, may you find comfort in your memories of Dennis and the amazing adventures you shared. Peace, Frank and Marty
So sorry Andrew to hear of Dennis passing. My prayers to you and the family. He was a special man.
Thinking of you Andrew. We are fortunate to have known Dennis. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Love, William & Cheryl Coleman
Dear Andrew, We’re so sorry for your loss and the loss of our stepbrother of over 40 years. Dennis will be truly missed. We have so many wonderful and fun memories from growing up together and family events over the years. We had so much fun altogether! I hope one day we will see him and all our family and friends again in heaven. ?? We are praying that the Lord will give you strength and comfort each day as you go through this very difficult time. Words can’t express our sadness.
Love, Ryan, Windi, Chandler, Paige and Frank.
Andrew, I’m so sorry to hear this. I have wonderful memories of being with both of you. Always fun and loving. I’ll always remember kitchen dancing with both of you.
Love to you, Diane Creasey Kent
As one of the many Chez Foushee fans in Richmond, I was always happy for opportunities to chat with Dennis. He was so welcoming and fun—and, yes, charming. His Charleston upbringing was certainly an asset.
I am very sorry to learn of his passing. I send my condolences to Andrew and their family and friends.
Andrew, Dennis and I went on numerous fuels tax and rental vehicle audit/investigations while with DMV. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. I was the benefactor in our professional lives crossing. Andrew, please accpet my sincere condolences for your loss. He will be missed by so many.
Andrew, know that my love and prayers are with you. I will cherish all of the wonderful memories of us being together. My sincerst condolences and love to you. ❤️?
Andrew, your loss is so sad. Both you and Dennis are one of a kind, very special gentlemen with giving hearts.
My condolences to you at this sad time.
In life as in art proportion is everything. Dennis got it right. I met Dennis decades ago and had the privilege of knowing Dennis socially, at work at DMV and as a neighbor. To balance that along with family, friends, and a successful private business career while remaining true to oneself takes an inner strength and knowledge. Andrew, I hope your loss and pain is mitigated by knowing how many lives he touched.
Andrew: CHIP CLAYTOR wrote me from Chatham and asked if I would convey to you his condolences. He has many memories of the three of you. He was particularly happy that he was able to find you your home at 2406 Lakeview in 1988. He will never forget the many parties you and he enjoyed.
Andrew, my heart goes out to you, Dennis and I met almost 50 years ago I hate to say but it is a friendship from the beginning. And then there was honey and honey!! I loved all our good times together over the years. Even though lately we have not seen as much of each other . I’ll never forget the days of Chez !! Or the crazy parties at your home! Mark and I will always cherish those good times .
Andrew, Houshi and I are so very deeply saddened hearing of your loss. Dennis was indeed such a southern gentleman and I always so enjoyed being with you both. I have such fond memories of being neighbors in the Park, all of the lovely parties and especially the fun and laughter. You know I always think of your girls when putting on pearls. My deepest condolences to you Andrew on your tremendous loss. I know Dennis will be missed by all whose lives he touched, and he certainly touched mine. I wish for you comfort and peace. Kathy and Houshi Pirouzan
Andrew, so very sorry to learn this news. I hope you and the dogs can move on with all the wonderful memories and good times you and Dennis had together…..Byron
Andrew….. I was so shocked to learn yeterday that DENNIS, a person who I could never have imagined not alive and well and amused by life,had passed away!!!
When I met DENNIS, I “knew him immediately”
You are in our hearts and we hope that your memories and love bouy you during this time
With love , Marcy and Ron Gaertner
Dear Andrew, I am so very sorry to hear of Dennis passing. I have not seen you two in a very long time, however you are both unforgettable. I loved spending time being entertained in your home, and anywhere you two happened to be.
Your love for each other and your friends was undeniable.
My heart is heavy, and i wish for healing for you and anyone close to you. I know you will be surrounded by love because thats what you gave. Many hugs and much love to you. You were lucky to have each other. Let those memories stayt with you forever.
xo Carol Navin
Andrew, we did not know Dennis, but we know he meant the world to you. We send our sincere condolences.
-Marcia and Gary Zwicker
My son knew Dennis. John respected Dennis for so many reasons. I wish I could’ve met him. May God be with you Andrew.
Andrew, I hardly know what to say.
I met Dennis in 1972, and shortly thereafter met you both when we were neighbors in 1975, Davis and Park Avenue. Now we had some great times, sipping G&T’s , overlooking the Richmond Pops band in Branch House gardens, and, the first time I had ever eaten haggis……you two, ever the bon vivants.
When I met Dennis I remember that he was without pretense, just himself. While the rest of us lived out delusions of grandeur, and some of us imploded or otherwise went off the rails, Dennis was centered and focused, and he and you worked hard and made plans , and made those plans happen…….the house, trips and stays abroad in Spain, Chez Foushee, many friends…….in short : The Good Life. You two did it together…..what a success. What a life well lived !! Congratulations, Dennis and Andrew.
Bearing this is very heavy for you, Andrew. I hope you are comforted by memories of hard work , fabulous times, and the assurance of the commitment, support, and love of your husband, business partner, and best friend Dennis Spurgeon. He was indeed very special, and he is unforgettable in our hearts.
Dennis was a very special man that I will miss. My deepest sympathies to Andrew. Words can not express my sadness. I will always cherish the times we had together. I will always remember Dennis with fondness and love.
Dear Andrew of Honey & Honey Inc…I loved both of you very much, every Monument Avenue Easter parade was always followed by an awesome drinks party at your place. The fondest memories of you both, Chez Foushee, and all the evenings our group spent together. Much Love to you Andrew XXOO
Andrew you have my deepest condolences. Dennis was larger than life and a gift to us all. It was both a privilege and an honor to have know him albeit too short of time.
Love to you, Ava and Noodles.
Tracey Crews
I worked w/Dennis in the Fuels Tax Division at DMV for several years before he retired. He was always such a wonderful and beautiful person and I will surely miss him. My thoughts and prayers are w/you and the family Andrew.
Andrew, I have been away on vacation and only recently learned of Dennis’ passing. He was always one of my favorite people, a large light in the room each time he entered. I will miss his beautiful smile and welcoming hug. My heart goes out to you but know you have many beautiful memories of a life well lived.
Dear Andrew
Bob and I are unable to attend the “Celebration of Life” for Dennis. We are out of State until Tuesday.
After Dennis and I first met in1967 when he was still at Lynchburg College we had many fun times together, but he was happiest once he met you.You were a great team!
You are in our thoughts. Take care of yourself.
Tom and Bob
Dear Andrew, I was so stunned to read that Dennis had passed. Such a larger than life individual with such a big heart! I have thought of you both so often over the years … the classy couple whose apartment I had the privilege to purchase so many years ago … and I so regret I did not get back to Richmond to say hello and share a bite at Chez Foushee! I am so very sorry for the loss of your love, Andrew. Fondly, Marte
I only just now discovered this obituary when planning a trip to Richmond and wondering if anyone I knew might still be there. Andrew, please accept my condolences. I’m sure you remember that I was with Dennis in Key West when he met you one beautiful February and soon enough you were in Richmond too.
I met Denns in 1972 when I was right out of college and starting my career. He took me under his wing and introduced me to many of the finer things in life. The last time I saw Dennis, he had come to DC for a funeral that we attended together and he helped me write the eulogy I gave. Long, long ago but in my mind like it was yesterday.
I hope you are doing well and in a happier place now that two years have gone by.
Andrew
You do not know me; however, I want to send you my deepest condolences for the loss of Dennis and everything both of you built and shared together. I met Dennis in the mid 70’s at Strawberry Street Cafe. His warmth and generosity helped me secure my 1st apartment in Richmond on Monument Avenue. I think of Dennis often and remember the happiness that he spread.