Dennis Nichols Shrum Jr. of Statesville, N.C., passed away on January 12, 2021. Born in Gaston County, N.C., on January 7, 1927, he was the son of the late Dennis N. Shrum Sr. and Prue Rudisill Shrum.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Viola Mae “Bobbie” Davis Shrum, ending in a sudden illness and her death at 56, and their son Richard Earl Shrum, who passed at 45 in a farm accident; along with his second wife, Arlene Mayberry Shrum, who died of cancer; and two sisters, Margaret Keever and Cornelia Holifield.

Mr. Shrum served in the Navy as a Hospital Apprentice. Most of his career, he worked very hard in furniture store management and sales. Dennis and “Bobbie” lived on Lake Norman 16 years before moving to Statesville. He loved boating, building, gardening, and traveling. Dennis managed his illness during the past few years with strength and grace and was always the rock of the family. On his final day, he was surrounded by the family that loved him.

Dennis was a devoted father and is survived by his son, Dennis N. Shrum III, and wife Jo; daughter, Barbara Connolly; two grandchildren, Dennis N. Shrum IV and wife Paula, and Jarrod G. Connolly, three great grandchildren; and a companion of recent years, Beverly L. Galliher.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 15, 2021, at Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel at 1 p.m. and officiated by retired Rev. William Wease (Lois), his second cousin and loyal friend who was always there for him while enduring illness himself. He will be laid to rest in the family plot next to his wife “Bobbie” in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 12 to 12:50 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Avenue, #100, Charlotte NC, 28207. Online condolences may be sent to www.nicholsonfunerals.com.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.