Dennis Michael Lynch, 71, of Nichols, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 23, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 21, 1951, the son of the late James Lynch, Sr. and the late Grace Anne Bruce Van Pelt.

Dennis served his country as a member of the United States Army and with his passing, we lost a true patriot and proud American. His service included the Vietnam War, where he received numerous medals. It was during this time that Dennis received training on being a dog handler, which led to a lifelong love of animals.

Dennis could often be found sitting on his back porch with a cold Foster's beer, burning incense, and listening to good music with a dog by his side. He was an avid outdoorsman and his hobbies included chopping wood for his wood stove, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. A history buff, he spent a great deal of time researching his family tree, learning about firearms and about the Civil War. Dennis loved to talk to people.

In addition to his sense of service, Dennis also had a sense of humor, and you could count on a good laugh with Dennis as he was pretty comical. He was a free-spirited, dog-loving hippie with a kind soul, but most of all, Dennis was a great husband, loving father, and true friend. The world was blessed to have had him in it and the people who knew him were lucky to have had him in their lives. He was one of the best people you could have ever had the opportunity of knowing.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was predeceased by a sister, Patty Simpson, and a half-brother, Thomas Edward Van Pelt, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon DeAngelo; a son, Brian Lynch of Reading, Pennsylvania; two daughters, Jennifer Kiritsis and her husband, Bill of Leesport, Pennsylvania and Julie Kosatschenko and her husband, Joshua of Aynor, South Carolina; two brothers, Jim Lynch (Jane) of Belfont, Pennsylvania and Tim Lynch (Cecelia) of Hollywood, California; half-brother, Timothy Van Pelt of Frederick, Maryland; half-sisters, Dorinda Morpeth (Thomas) of Fortson, Georgia, Carol Wier (Jim) of Aberdeen, Maryland, Karen Fierst (Barry) of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Tamara Benson of Mount Airy, Maryland, his beloved grandchildren, Nikolas, Elias, and Sophia; and his canine companions.

A graveside service for family and close friends will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 26, 2023 at Spring Branch Baptist Church Cemetery in Nichols with Reverend Jay Black officiating.

If you would like to remember Dennis, the family suggests that donations in his memory be made to Spring Branch Baptist Church Cemetery, 6710 Church Loop, Nichols, South Carolina 29581.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.

Dennis is in the care of Meares Funeral Home of Mullins.