Dexter Gabbard

I knew Dexter thru my sister Christy.   We had some great times together.  What a smile, one that you never forget.  He was a wonderful person then and it looks like he never changed.  I always enjoyed picking up my sister after work at Baskin Robbins, she would always have the best Dexter stories to tell. Great stories... and wonderful memories...

 

Shannon, I am thinking about you and your family right now.  I don't know how you get thru something like this, just know that I am thinking about you.

I remember first seeing and wanting tomeet Dexter and all the other ZN'S in the fraternity and wondered what they would think of a new freshman.  Dexter ALWAYS made you feel important and ALWAYS put others first.  He ALWAYS found  the good in people and as I sit here full of emoition, I am making a promise to myself to TRY to be more like DEX!

 

 I Pray the Lord wraps his loving arms around Dex like he did so many others.

 

 

I Feel so blessed in life to having met Dexter when he hired me to work with him at Verizon.  He always had a great sense of humor and no matter what was always there for you.  He came into my life at a time where I needed a friend to talk to and he always listened without any judgement.  I remember he used to always joke with me about my writing techniques and he helped me to become a better writer and speaker.  I will miss our conversations that we had, and I did have the opportunity to speak with him just a few days before he passed, and I remember him laughing and being the funny man that he was.  Even though  I never had the opportunity to meet his family  I do know how much he loved you and all and my heart goes out to you.  Thank you for giving us such a wonderful man to be able to share our life with. His memory will live on forever and anyone that ever met Dexter or knew him will have wonderful memories to keep in our hears. 

Dear Aunt Reenie,David and Shannon,

 

I want you to know that it's 5am in New Jersey and I'am crying with you's. I dreamed about Dexter and all of you last night.

I know God is with you, holding yous. I wish I was with yous now. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Aunt Reenie, I don't know how you get throught this pain but, I know you will with God's help. I love you's and I'am with you's. Hold on to each other. Shannon, If you need me just call you are not alone. David, thank you for loving Dexter. My heart is broken, I wish Dexter would have come to New Jersey. I know there was talk that he wanted to come and visit.

Here is a poem a friend gave me when Kevin passed, I want to give it to you now.

I said a prayer for you today and I know God must have heard

I felt the answer in my heart although he spoke no word.

I didn't ask for wealth or fame,I knew you wouldn't mind I asked him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind.

I asked that he'd be near you at the start of each new day to grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way.

I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small But, it was for his loving care I prayed the most of all.

I love you Dexter Rest in Peace. I love you all.

 

Love always, your cousin Donna

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH DEXTER'S LOVED ONES.  I DIDN'T HAVE THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING HIM BUT HE WAS A DEAR FRIEND OF MY SON, SEAN. SEAN ALWAYS SPOKE SO HIGHLY OF HIM. MY HEART FELT CONDOLENCES.

 MARGARET ROSE

I haven't talked to Dex in 15 years.  I loved him back in the day and count myself incredibly fortunate to have shared some time with him.  Last week my wife who's been new to Facebook asked me late one night if she could set me up an account.  It's obviously a way to reconnect with people.  Her first question was who do you want me to try to find.  Dex was one of the first people out of my mouth.  Absolutely true and infinitely more unfortunate that it didn't work out.  Dex was one of those people you regretted losing track of and the time would always have been right to talk to again.  She didn't know him although she spent a lot of time with a lot of familiar names on this page from the Lexington days.  All I can tell her is Dex was damn good people, you'd have loved him.  Jobs, family, time - crazy all the time.  Gotta hang on to the people that enrich our lives.  Dex This sucks, especially for those of you who have enjoyed his presence since I have.  My deepest condolences to all of you. 

I have known Dexter over 25 years, all I can say is that he was a pleasure to know and I know that I am a better person for knowing him.  I don't think I ever remember a day without him smiling and making others around him smile as well.  I know everything happens for a reason,,, well this must have been a very great reason to take such a wonderful person.  Dexter will be missed.

I will be praying for all his family and friends as he will be missed very much.

Although I have only known Dex for a few years I really feel that I have been blessed to spend time with him.  He was always smiling that amazing smile and always had something new and exciting going on.  What an amazing man!! and what a better world it would be if there were more people like him out there; but then again I have never met very few as great as him.  I will take this horrible loss and try to make something positive out of it, which I know he would want.  From this day on I will give life all I have and never take one day for granted!!  Miss you DEX!!

Dexter, we will always remember your sweet smile, generous heart and free spirit, our early morning walks on the beach, sharing of recipes, long talks, great dinners.  In your short lifetime, you accomplished more than people who have lived to be twice your age.  You enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and marveled at God's wondrous creations.  You had courage to follow your dreams and beliefs - your ideas and positive attitude were amazing.  You left an imprint on many hearts.  You will be remembered for all your fine qualities and we feel blessed to have known you. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers - this is a very difficult and heartbreaking time for all of them.  You gathered many jewels for your crown in Heaven - and God opened His arms to you when you passed.  Thank you for being you.  Aloha and Ciao....the world will miss you.

My adolescence is filled with beautiful and funny memories of Dexter and his loving family.  Theirs was a house of laughter, joy and unending comedy.  I will always carry his smile in my heart.  May you all find some comfort knowing that his memory is carried on by many of us...even if we only knew him for a brief time. 

My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Dexter's family and friends. 
He will be missed greatly.

Dex:

"May your trails be crooked and winding leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. May your rivers flow without end, meandering through pastoral valleys tinkling with bells, past temples and castles and poet's towers into a dark primeval forest where tigers belch and monkeys howl, through mysterious swamps and down into a desert of red rock, blue mesas, domes and pinnacles and grottos of endless stone, and down again into a deep vast ancient unknown chasm where bars of sunlight blaze on profiled cliffs, where deer walk across white sand beaches, where storms come and go as lightning clangs upon the high crags, where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you."

 - Anonymous

Dex, I just can't get you out of my mind. I wish we had kept in touch. Thanks for always having my back. I love you.

I met Dexter years ago through work.  He quickly became a friend.  He truly lived life to the fullest with the most positive outlook.  He was so kind to me, my husband and my children.  One of my favorite memories is that he was the "army man" to my my son.  When Clayton wanted to have an Army/Camo birthday, Dexter loaned all of his army gear to us--yes Dexter's army camo pants fit me!! All four of us were dressed in camo and Clayton even had the "black stuff" on his face--compliments of Dexter.  Another sweet memory is the fact that Dexter gave my daughter this precious bunny purse (made by his mother).  It was so sweet.  When Savannah "outgrew" the bunny purse, we passed it to my niece (Daisy).  Daisy walked in to church this past Sunday with the bunny purse and I couldn't help but think that Dexter was telling me that he was looking down on us with a smile.  My deepest condolences to his family.  I know how proud you are of him.  We are all blessed to have known him.

I did not know Dexter as well as many of you, but I never felt like a stranger when I'd see him. I saw him a few times around Nashville after the UK years and most recently at a Derby party at Carm's house a couple of years ago. As always, Dexter was kind, gracious, and making people smile.

 

You will be missed.

I feel driven to write to your family right now.  Dexter is, no doubt, in a better place and I am praying for his soul and will continue.  But, for those of us left here in pain, especially his family, we can ask our Blessed Mother to hold us tightly.  She knows what you are going through (she's felt the same pain).  Get on your knees and ask Jesus and his Mother to help you get through this.  Dexter would want that from you-he would want you to find some good in this.  Look how many lives he touched and inspired.  Maybe he made just one person do good and that was his mission.  I will keep you, his mother and step father, Shannon, and his neices, and his father in my prayers.

Reenie,

I was so saddened to hear of your loss.  I too have a son that is my first born and is 40.  I can not imagine life without him.  My heart breaks for you and I pray that our God in heaven gives you and your family comfort in this time of such sorrow.  Please know that my prayers are with you.

I can remember Dexter sitting behind me in English class in middle school and I thought he was the biggest pest! But he was also one of the pests that you loved to be around. I haven't seen Dexter since graduation and regret not keeping in touch.  He has a smile that would melt your heart and a personality that brings smiles to everyone.  My thoughts and prayers are with Dexter's family. May God's strength help you through this tough time.

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of what seems like an amazingly well rounded young man. My heart goes out to you all.

I think I may have met Dexter once or twice while Reenie was working in KY.  But I do beleive we knew everything about him from our conversation with Reenie.  He was a "Special Men" and I only heard good things about him.  I know that God gives us all a "Book of Life" with a begining and a ending, God needed him in heaven and he called him home.  Reenie and David raised a wonderful "Men" and he will always be in your heart & soul.  My prayers are with you all. Much Love, Sharon.

 

When I heard about this terrible tragedy I dug out my old pictures from high school. There on the second page of my album sat Dexter and I outside our high school entrance. We both had a lot of hair in those days - you know - 80's hair! He was Junior Prince and I was Junior Princess. I had completely forgotten about that day but when I saw the picture I remembered how much fun we had together - how caring and sweet he was. What sticks out most in my mind are the conversations over the last 20+ years on the phone. The calls from him out of the blue just to catch up and tell me to take care. How blessed I am to have known Dexter. He was one of the most selfless, caring human beings I have ever known. He was truly a shining light. I will miss him dearly.

I have found it so hard to write in such a short paragraph about an amazing person like Dex. We have shared many wonderful memories together, beginning in Germany when we were 13 years old. Dex had that special quality to him at that age already. Everyone loved Dex. That theme has seemed to continue over the years and has not changed. He was such a free spirited guy and I loved how excited he got over such small things in life. If only all of us appreciated those small things. I was fortunate to have spent time with him this summer in Florida. Therese, myself, our families and Dex and Jess spent some amazing days at the beach. I remember how excited he was to share his music on his ipod. He would say 'no, no wait you gotta hear this one". Excited about each song he put on. He made us an amazing dinner and we had an amazing time. I truly feel like I was the fortunate one to have met Dex . He was truly everyones rock and will remain in my heart forever.

I had the honor of knowing Dexter, even if it was only a short while. I still do not want to believe that he is really gone because the world has just lost a tremendously beautiful soul. His jokes were by far the WORST I have ever heard but watching him crack up at them, only made me laugh harder. Dexter is the type of person you root for - and whether or not I saw/spoke to him often doesn't take away from the fact that I will always hold him in the highest regard. I only regret that I didn't tell him before he so suddenly left - I just hope this message gets to him somehow.

 

I ran into Dexter about a month ago and I am unbelievably grateful that I had that opportunity to see him one last time - he is someone that would want their life celebrated and not mourned - although it's terribly difficult when he is clearly so missed. Dexter - your spirit, your laugh and your heart will live on forever through us all. You are with the Lord & Kelsi now and may they show you the way.

When I found Kelsi on the side of the road, soaking wet, skinny and covered in fleas, I put ads in various papers and shop windows.  Dexter kept asking me for two weeks if I had found the owner and when no one came forward he insisted on adopting Kelsi.  Dexter came to the house to pick her up. She had barely been able to get up off the floor for the two weeks I had looked after her. He walked in with a leash and she jumped up like a young puppy, racing around the house! She knew that she was going home with her new master. He gave this scraggly old dog, with her cataracts, arthritis and nubs for teeth, the happiest years of her life. That's how he was, caring and giving to anyone he crossed paths with. I will miss you every day Dex.

Dexter was truly one of the goods ones. He always had a smile and was looking to help out in any way possible. People just loved Dex. You always came away from time spent with Dex feeling better about yourself and the world in general. He always left you wanting more Dex.  I want one more great business idea from Dex, one more great story, one more text message about how Kentucky is going to win the big game, one more dinner, one more smile, one more attempt at surfing, one more beer, one more of anything from Dex. Dexter you will be missed and always remembered.





 

  In life's odyssey we surely wish for the waters to remain forever so calm. We envision bold resistent inclinations of any turbulance along the journey. We understand eventually that such an illusion is deceptive to our very character. Therefore, we must adopt our nature and set sail to life despite any circumstances. This unknown is the beautiful enigma of a life. As children we wade in the water. We quickly learn that God will trouble our waters and not understand why. Yet, we sail on. Again and again we are presented with humility and even immortality. Some may assume complacency while others continue. Here lies the great difference of mankind.

  Challenge is a fabulous gift once actualized. Fear can be annihilated by the dignitary whom makes the choice to further see what is beyond. This very spirit is God. A spirit that brought us all from the greatest unknown in the greatest journey. It does not matter that we may not find the answers in any of our odysseys. What really matters is that we all make journey. My friend Dexter Gabbard took the challenges in his dignified journey. May we all ,whom were blessed in knowing Dexter, for the rest of our days honor his spirit and become better because of his gift.

I only met Dexter once, when Reenie and I worked together, I think he was going to UK at the time. But, through his wonderful mother and one of my best friends, I have come to know Dexter.  He was a joy to Reenie and David and and a good person, who cared about everyone he came in contact with.  He has so many good friends, this is very evident by just reading the condolences on this website. I know it is a comfort for Reenie and David to know how many friends Dexter had and to know they all loved him so much.  It is a terrible loss for all his friends but, espeically for his family.  There is no greater grief that a parent can be ask to endure, but, you were given a great gift from God and even though Dexter's life was short, remember the years of happiness you have had with him and know that he is now safe with God.  I love you Reenie and David, my heart goes out to you, I will keep you in my prayers.

Although I didn't know Dexter well (We met at our friend Carmellas wedding) I know what a genuine and wonderful person he was.  Full of life.  Someone who could make you smile.  I was so sad to hear about his passing and wanted to offer my condolences to his Family and Friends.  Dexter, you will be missed! 

The one thing that can never be said about Dex is that he did not live life to the fullest. He lived like many of us could only dream of. He lived life like the glass was always half full.  His greatest gift was his heart and zest for life that he shared with everyone, without any conditions or terms.
We are all better people for knowing him. We all have better souls for loving him. I will miss his terrible jokes, sayings, and his next great idea. 

I can only picture St. Peter rolling his eyes as Dexter tells him a joke with a horrible pun in it. He gave of himself and that is the greatest gift anyone can receive.

Thank you Dex Mex in Effex, words cannot express what you mean to me.

James

Like so many people, I'm having trouble finding the words for what I want to say. Dex Mex was one of the most original, beautiful, caring spirits out there. I truly feel blessed for knowing him. I know that God has a master plan and that we don't understand why so many things happen. Rather than thinking about why he was taken from us, I'm going to focus on how lucky we were to have him if only briefly. There will never be another person like Dexter. No one - no one - had that sense of humor. (What's Mike Tyson's favorite cereal? Ludacrisps)

The thing I remember most about Dex is that, when you talked to him, he had a way of inspiring you to do more. He could make you feel that nothing was impossible or too crazy. His energy was contagious. I wonder if Dex knew how special he was to so many people. I'm in Kentucky now and I haven't been able to see him in a while. Even so, when James and I say the name Dexter, we immediately start telling stories about him. He has the ability to put a smile on our faces hundreds of miles away without even trying, without even knowing he's doing it. That will never change. I am so blessed and thankful to have known him. There is a void on earth that can never be filled.

So, Dex, rock on up there. From one of your biggest fans - Squishy Hands - know that I love you. I will see you again some day and I expect you to have a really, really bad joke waiting for me.

Dexter, how much you will be missed and loved by all. You always knew how to make someone smile, make them feel better. We are better people to just have known you.

Our hearts go out to all your family and friends. We love ya buddy. 

I heard about this tragedy on Friday and was so numb I had no emotion.  I spent the next two days leaking on and off w/ no focus.  Drove right by church just caught up thinking about Dex.  I can not get my mind around this and am unable to compartmentalize this loss.  It seems everything reminds me of the guy.  Yesterday a conservative Presbyterrian church had steel drums.  It was like Dex was getting his last giggle at me.  Then when trying to get my mind off it I turned on tv to find some stupid movie playing and thought...I bet Dex would not only know the name of this but probably could quote it.  He was infectious w/ his wit(silly jokes) and stories.  A round of golf w/ the boy was what it should be ...shared stories, quips and antedotes. If there is a silver lining to this it is that he lived.  I mean really lived.  He had the kahonas to feel taste and experience life.  Although I know there was unfinished business for him I expect he would tell us all he had a good ride, to tip a  cup and tell a story.  You don't know how you will miss someone until there gone.  I have my regrets as I am sure everyone does.  Dex, I will truly miss you. 

We knew Dexter because he help shape our, then 9 member Sunday School class, into the thriving 60+ member group it is now. The angels are rejoicing in heaven as they welcome one of God's gentle warriors home.

We will hunt next time we meet. - Trey and Alana.

 

How fortunate we were to have met you last year in the Keys, and then to have you with us there this year.  There are no words to express how much we are going to miss you.  You are the most amazing person we have ever met.  You always had a way of saying something funny all of the time.  Your smile and passion for life will be with us forever.  You are amazing.  Our deepest sympathies to your family, you are such a wonderful son, brother, uncle and our friend forever.  We'll meet again, we know.  Hugs, hugs and hugs....Alana and Trey

It is hard to comprehend how life on earth is so temporary but it is what we do with each minute that carries on for eternity and Dexter did it right.  I hadn't seen Dexter in several years until Grant's 40th birthday and we spent a day together laughing, talking, and sharing life experiences since we were in high school.  I can honestly say that what he shared with me told me he loved life and brought a light that made this world a brighter place. 

My deepest sympathy is extended to all of his friends and family.

I have never met a more giving person in my life than Dexter.  We had known each other before he moved to Florida, but really connected when he relocated to Tampa and needed a place to stay.  He moved in with me for several months before moving to his paradise in Tierra Verde.  In those months he did share a place with me and another friend Greg Stadjuhar, I grew to appreciate Dex for his wit, his love for life, his incredible positive attitude, his sense of humor, his ability to make friends and his great cooking.  He was and still is the only person to ever make a salmon dish that my wife Bonny woudl eat(she was very skeptical but he convinced her it would be great and so she agreed because it was Dex and he was too nice to lie to her).  He was amazing and will be sorely missed.  I talked with him Thursday morning and he so excited to have tickets to the Rays game.  He was scheduled to come play in a golf tournament with us on Friday.  I felt something was amiss when he did not answer calls all day Friday.  We can only celebrate his great life and pray for his soul to be in eternal peace in heaven.  That is our prayer for him and we feel strongly he is smiling down on us now as he did when we knew him here on earth.  We love you man.

To Grant and Susan and all of Dexter's Family and Friends,

I am so sorry about the loss of your friend, son, brother, and uncle.  I have not seen Dexter in years but will never forget the fun times we had in our younger days, especially the road trip down to Florida in the big van.  He had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met.  You all are in my thoughts and prayers.  The world is a sadder place without Dexter in it.

A few years ago our friend Carmella got married and as friends do, we all convened in the hills of Laguna for this great event.  For days leading up to this event, as well as my flight with Therese, I kept on hearing about this man named Dexter.  Dexter, what unique name? I am surprised I did not know him in high school. Regardless, within a day, I finally met this mystery man as he drives up in a beautiful red convertible rental.  Hi, I am Dexter. 

 

One common theme on all the stories that I have read on this site, is the unique gift Dexter had, his ability to  really connect with people.  His ability to really leave his mark, the mark of a truly funny, honest and passionate invididual.  My story tells much the same about Dexter.  The next 3 days in Laguna were absolutely fun, and for years, we all remembered all the funny stories from those few days.  I remember the night before Carmella's wedding, the night that we really needed to go to bed early ( I was in the wedding), Dex and I ended up staying up unti l 5 a.m.  We went to the local watering hole, The Dirty Bird, and watched a reggae band with the group.  As everyone went to bed early, we stayed back to enjoy the band.  Within minutes, we were, as most who are drinking do, "Your birthday is October 13th, Oh my God, I am September 13.  You like the bass guitarist, holy cow, me too. Your daughter's name is Gabi, holy cow, that is what my friends used to call me."  Before we knew it, we were on the rooftop of our hotel in awe of the stars and what a beautiful night it was.  Dex immediately said, "Wait right here, I'll be back".  To this day i cannot stop laughing about this.  Dex comes back to the rooftop with his laptop playing Andrea Bocelli. What person travels halfway across the country with their laptop equipped with Andrea Bocelli CD's? I know one, Dexter!   It was great.  We strolled through the hotel playing his laptop, listening to music, and ended up climbing some ridiculous high and sharp edged dune to look at the city lights until 5 a.m. That night I made a great friend and we continued to stay in touch. 

 

Dex would call and ask me for ideas for children stories.  I am married with 2 small kids.  He would ask, "What's a good lesson for kids to learn". I would laugh and say "Pick up after themselves".  He was so passionate about kids and teaching them the right way in life.  It was amazing.  I was most touched when my father died, and Dexter reached out with his sage advice.  It was then that I realized how important his Mom and Step Dad were to him.  He had some amazing things to say about his family and made me feel so much better at the end of our conversation. 

 

To his family, Dexter in such a short life, left behind an unbelievable and inspiring legacy to everyone that had the honor to meet this wonderful man.  I only hope that my children accomplish and touch as many lives as Dexter did.  He is truly a blessing and I know that he will forever watch over you. 

Please accept condolences from a fellow Wurzburg Wolf. 

My deepest sympathies to Dexter's family and friends.  I knew Dexter in high school.  I met up with him again at a Wurzburg reunion.  He was an amazing man.  He was everyone's friend.  Dexter had the unique ability to make people laugh, regardless of the situation.  The world has lost a very special son, brother, uncle, and friend. 

My sister Lynnette Canedy just informed me of Dexter's homegoing this evening.  May his soul rest in peace, in the ever present hand of the Lord.  I pray for peace and comfort for Dexter's family and all who knew and loved him. Psalm 73:26  God Bless 

I had the priviledge of knowing Dexter through work at Cellular One/Verizon Wireless.  We were in Sales together in the mid-'90's and later reconnected when he moved to FL and worked in the Tampa Telesales Center, which was a sister center to mine in Nashville.  I have not talked to Dexter in several years but when I learned of this horrible news on Friday afternoon it was almost impossible to comprehend.  I didn't want it to be true.  I don't think, no I KNOW, I never heard Dexter say a cross word about anyone.  He was just genuinely nice.  While nice is such a simple term, it goes a long way in it's sincerest form and I thinik it fits Dexter perfectly.  He used to call me Gidget in the '90's because my hair flipped up and I always loved the attention from him.  I cannot get this tragic event out of my mind, or his close friends, Grant and Susan Burrow, both of whom I also worked with many years ago.  I can't imagine how they, or Dexter's family, feels.  My heart goes out to them.  While not a close friend, I will never forget Dexter or his radiant smile that could melt the heart of anyone.  Shine on, Dex . . .

Like all of Dex's friends and family, I struggle for the perfect words.  All I can think of is that I have learned a valuable lesson.  We hear it all the time, "let everyone know how you feel about them while they are with us."  I've known Dexter for about 12 years.  We have always kept in touch.  As with life, you get busy and you don't talk for a month or so, but with Dex - we always picked up where we left off.  It's like we never skipped a beat.  He called a week or so ago while I was at work and I told him I would call right back and didn't.  He then texted and I didn't respond so...then he writes, "I hope you are o.k.  Are you mad at me?"   I thought I would give him a call this weekend and obviously that can't happen now.  I know it's silly and I need to let it go, but I promise I will nourish my friendships and family and never wait for the "better time to call".  Dex - I wasn't mad at you.  Just selfishly busy.  I would give anything to hear one of your stupid jokes.  I'm sure when we meet again, we will pick up right where we left off. 

To Grant and Susan - I am so sorry for your loss.  I know you guys thought of him as family - because he was. 

To Reenie and Dave - I never met you, but always heard great stories about his family.  I think we have all heard the stories about you needing "technical assistance"...now you have lots of new (and old) friends who are willing to help.  When in doubt..."google.com".  :)  You both should be very proud of yourselves for raising such an incredible gentleman with a heart of gold. 

May peace and strength be with all of us at this sad time. 

Our hearts are broken and we are so sad about what has happened......it just doesn't seem fair!  Dexter had so many more dreams that needed to come true for him.  He brought so much joy to so many people and was loved by so many.  The Lord must have special plans for such a unique soul.  Our deepest sympathy and love goes out to Dexter's family and friends.  He has always had and always will have a special place in our hearts.....he will be missed but never forgotten.

As I read the other comments posted here I began to weep for Dexter’s parents, Dave (David) and Reenie. The pain that they feel is overwhelming and beyond my ability to even imagine.

Dave, who has been my dear friend for nearly thirty years spoke to me often about Dexter. His love for Dexter was obvious and open. Although I met Dexter only once… Dexter, Dave and I had lunch after a meeting in Nashville many years ago, I felt as though I knew him as a friend. The news of his passing is especially painful for me because I know this has devastated his parents…people that I love like a brother and sister…or even more so.

Through Dave, I learned what a creative and energetic person Dexter was. I was always impressed with his marketing skills and his rare ability (and courage) to create a brand and actually launch it on an international level.

I had hoped to one day get the opportunity to learn from him…but now that will come about later.

I grieve for all of his friends and family members and pray for some level of emotional peace for now.

May he rest in peace…

Respectfully,

Terry Shortt, Elizabethtown Kentucky

Andra, Tim, Kimberly, Jon, James and Joshua

 

 

It is so tough to hear news that one of our classmates has passed.  I am saddened by the news and pray that God gives his family and loved ones strength to endure this tragedy.  This reminds us once again of how precious and fragile life is.  To all of my classmates that read these posts, I pray that you are blessed, safe and living life to the fullest.

Lynnette Canedy

Dexter was such a class act...I just did like Fox said above, and deleted and re-wrote like three times. Its really a very sad feeling and w/ Clapton playing its like man, this really sucks...He was such a stand out, in the fraternity, socially, athletically and extremely humble....Our sincere prayers to all your friends and family. 

I did not know Dexter that well. Just have talked with him a few times over the past 2 years. I DO know that he was an extremely unique and special human being. He always had such a positive attitude and enthusiastic energy about him. He always put a big smile on my face. Whenever I would see him, I would feel real happy he was there, he really stood out. And when we parted ways, I was always left with a feeling of inspiration. And I really loved how well he knew music. That is what we bonded over instantly. And what silly things he would say all the time. Sooo goofy and corny, which I totally related to! And such a creative business man. I always looked up to him because he lived his life not for himself, but he was actual a GIVER in this world full of takers. He wiss be missed so much by so many people. I feel fortunate to have met him and to have his beautiful smile and spirit shine in my life. I am so happy our paths crossed, even for just a short time. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and loved ones. He was a diamond in the rough for sure.

Dexter,

 

Life was always hard, and you always made it bit easier - made us smile, made us laugh.  For all of us who knew you, we will always rember you.  You provided happiness to more that you will ever know. 

 

I will miss you.

It is so hard to believe my best friend is gone.  We talked 3 to 4 times a week so I could hear his funny stories to put a smile on my face.  My smile is no longer, but I know God has a plan for you to make many more smiles appear in heaven. 

My heart and sorrow go out to Dexters Mom (Reenie) and his Dad (David).  I heard many stories when I called, about how close you all were and how soon you would even be living closer.  I am so sorry this great time did not occur.  He was looking so forward to this.  I always tried to keep getting him to move back to Nashville, but he said "No way buddy, I LOVE the water and the sun".  I never stopped asking him and he never stopped giving me the same answer and said we would always be close no matter where he was.  I have yet to figure how this will happen going forward but I am excited to see how he will work this one out;-) 

Until 2am I thought of words that reminded me of DexMex.  Selfishly, Beef Stew was the first word I wrote.  I still get a giggle out of this and why my mind would put this first.  He made a mean Beef Stew and periodically would say "G, when you come down this time I am cooking XYZ".  No matter what it was, I always had 2 helpings.

I called Dex for Laughs, Stories, Guidance, Reassurance, Marketing ideas (which he always had), updates of both our families, Help and many other reasons.  But, mainly we just called each other to let each other know we had a good friend in each other.  He was so GREAT at doing this and every time I got off the phone I felt SO much better.  I only hope I made him feel half as good as he did me. 

My brothers best friend has a saying "Live to Serve" that he always says and he does it well.  It is ironic that this is also the way my best friend Dex lived his life.  He did not live his life for himself but for others and was always wanting to help (and did it very well).    It takes a special person to call all his buddies, volunteer to help children at the hospital, save the Turtles (I still get a kick out of these stories), help at church, try to write childrens books, love his family and share even more love with all his friends. 

Dex, you are truly that special and I just hope you knew how many people you touched during your short stay here.  I, as many, will deeply miss you.  We found a Kentucky Blue candle to burn in your honor and will always think of you when it is lit.

 

I can't believe our Dex is gone.  My heart is painfully broken as I know all of yours is.  Dex and I met through my husband, Grant.  Dex and I immediately connected with his compasionate love and creative and individual personality. Not to mention, he had been cooking for my husband for years and I had no idea what type of roast to even buy to make his famous beef stew.  He came to our house to make it himself several times.  I walked with Dex through a lot of loving, fun and sometimes sad days.  He processed all of his challenges and continued on with great but trageically short life.  He touched so many people and it seemed like every time we talked he had a fun story to tell me about what he did, who he met, where he was going next or just sharing his time.  I always told him with 2 small kids--I was going to live all those adventures through him.  Grant spoke to Dexter almost every other day and Im not sure how to help him through this tragedy.   Our complete family will keep memories of Dex., from my 3 yr old little girl to my 79 yr old Daddy.  When we last spent time wtih Dex at his precious new house we talked for hours.  We walked every where, and sat in his back yard under the stars.  We got out old pictures and laughed, cried and hugged.  He depended so much on his friends conversations, love and support.   He would be VERY happy that we were all talking and taking the time to remember.  We will all process this in our own way however I know that you would want us to focus on each one of our happy and memorable moments we had with you.  To his precious Mom, encouraging step Dad, David and his loving Sister and family--please feel God's arms around you and Dex's positive spirit saying we can go on with his memories.  Dex, I held your sweet little face before I got in our car to leave and told you that I loved you and I will always feel your angelic spirit watching over Grant and me.