Dennis was born on November 12, 1958, in Jasper, Texas, the son of Johnnie Lee Austin (Kirby) Hadnot and Lee Edward Grigsby. He was preceded in death by all three parents.

Dennis attended Jasper Schools where he excelled in football and track. He met his love of his life and future wife, Truman Good, at Jasper High School. Dennis and Truman were wed on November 26, 1979. To this union, a son was born, Dustin Ellery, on November 24, 1984.

Dennis was employed by Temple-Inland for many years, where he performed as an exceptional employee until his health failed.

Dennis was a member of Westside Church of Christ.

Dennis was friendly, outgoing, and witty - he could have been a comedian; he accumulated many friends during his lifetime. He loved playing dominoes, spades, and shooting pool games on his cell phone. He really enjoyed watching sports (Dallas Cowboys fan) and Westerns on television. Dennis also was a car enthusiast and an avid gun collector. He was referred to by several nicknames during his lifetime, including "Light Foot," "Wild Cat," "Rex," and "Crazy Horse" due to his humor. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Dennis enjoyed eating peppermints, dry roasted peanuts, and chocolate covered peanut clusters. He endured over seventeen years of Dialysis treatments, three days per week. To stay motivated, Dennis considered his treatment days as workdays. He was generous to those in need and always wanted his family and friends to be prosperous.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his bonus sister, Mary Alice Good Brooks, and bonus brother, John Good.

Dennis leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Truman Good Austin; son, Dustin Ellery Austin; granddaughters, or "Pawpaw Babies", Aubree Mary-Alice, Madysen "Maddi", Haliyah, and Tanasia "Cookie" Austin; godson, Charles (Leslie) Carter, Jr.; bonus grandsons, La'Javien and Jalyn Jackson; sisters, Cassandra Guidry, Elaine (John) Harper, Laverne Ogden, Lisa Mosley, Jeralyn Lindayag, and Josielyn Lindayag; brother, Michael Grigsby; bonus sisters, Donna Good, Mollie Thomas, Earlene (Willard) Southwell, and Darlene Henderson; bonus brothers, Todd Good and Carlton (Angelia) Good; uncles, Curtis Ray Cooper, Charles Ray (Jackie) Cooper, and James (Lawana) Cooper; aunts, Dorothy Lee Armstrong and Gloria "Tootie" Dacus; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved and respected him.