Dennis Hunley Gooch was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi on December 16, 1951.
He was the son of Eugene Gooch, Jr. and Helon Young Gooch of Yazoo City, Mississippi. He died on April 8, 2026 at his home in Germantown, TN at the age of 74.
Hunley was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Helen Gooch; and his brother, Gene Gooch. He is survived by Phyllis R. Gooch, his devoted wife of 54 years; sister, Rose Johnson; brother, Steve Gooch; two sons, Heath Gooch (Claire Flurry) and Phillip Gooch (Melissa); six grandchildren, Spencer, Molly Reeves, Ellie, Reeves, Bryson, Baker; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Hunley passed away leaving behind a legacy defined by hard work, music, love for his family and a deep appreciation for the Delta blues, especially BB KING. When introduced to Hunley, you were never a stranger. The gift of kindness, selflessness, and conversations with deep intelligence was an effect he had on everyone he met.
Hunley dedicated much of his life to the lumber business carrying on the family tradition his grandfather and great uncle started, Gooch Brothers Lumber Company. Through this experience, which he shared with one of his best friends and cousin, Johnny Gooch, he developed a very strong work ethic and passion to excel in all areas of life. Moving forward he earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Beyond his work, he had a lifelong passion for his family, especially when he started having grandchildren. They would put a smile on his face and sparkle in his eyes, even on his down days. All they had to do was walk in the room and he was so proud.
Hunley’s passion for music began at a very young age, learning to play everything from the organ to the electric guitar at his parent’s home. His true love and development of this extraordinary gift started in his teens, when he and his friends formed a garage band in 1966 called “THE WEEDS”. They would practice in an old shed behind his parents house.Throughout his life you would often hear him playing one of his many guitars. Hunley often spent time restoring old blues guitars and tube amplifiers.
A friend once said he was the best closet blues guitarist around, even though he would not ever want to play for a crowd. He also loved guitars; not only their sound but the craftsmanship that went into them. He enjoyed listening to his favorite artists or playing and sharing songs with his friends, especially the blues. Music and family were his way of life.
Though he is no longer with us, the impact of his life will continue to be felt in the hearts of those he touched.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Yazoo City at 11:00 am on April 17, 2026 followed by a memorial mass at 12 noon.
