Dennis Douglas "Doug" Drye

Mr. Dennis Douglas "Doug" Drye, age 79, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Morningside Assisted Living Center.

The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Baptist Church. His funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Brandon Gray officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his parents at Carolina Memorial Park.

Doug, as he was lovingly known by everyone, was born on March 23, 1947, in Cabarrus County and was the son of the late Lewis M. Drye and Rubie Oliver Drye.

Doug spent his life in Cabarrus County, where he built deep roots and lasting friendships. He was known for his quick wit, kind heart, and genuine love for life. A lifelong Type 1 diabetic since the age of fourteen, Doug faced many challenges throughout his life with remarkable resilience and determination.

One of Doug's greatest joys was the North Carolina mountains, especially Blowing Rock, where he was a part-time resident for many years. He found peace in the mountain air, the beauty of God's creation, and the slower pace of life they offered. Whether spending time with family, sharing stories with friends, or enjoying the mountains he loved so much, Doug's enthusiasm for life was evident to everyone who knew him.

Doug was a proud member of the Charlotte Shag Club and enjoyed the friendships and fellowship that came with it. He also cherished the many friends he made over the years at Lynn's, where laughter, stories, and good company created countless treasured memories. His sense of humor, warm personality, and appreciation for life's simple blessings left a lasting impression on those around him.

More than anything, Doug loved his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed. While the later years of his life brought significant health challenges, his family finds comfort in knowing he is now whole, healed, and at peace. The memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Those left to cherish wonderful memories of Doug are his children, Kimberly Howell and her husband, Dale, and Matthew Drye and his wife, Christie; grandchildren, Victoria and her husband, Eric, Savanna, and Kaelie; great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Titus, and Emori; sister, Cathy Doran and her husband, Patrick; brother, Terry Drye and his wife, Janet. Doug was also loved by a host of extended family members and many lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 210, Charlotte, NC 28210, or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.