On February 6, 1944, twin boys were born to Jessie Lee Diggs and Ennis Earl Diggs, Sr., in Prairie View, Waller County, Texas. The younger of the two was named Dennis Louis.

Dennis confessed a hope in Christ at an early age under the Pastorate of Reverend R.S. Smith at the Louisville Missionary Baptist Church, Bellville, Texas. Dennis attended Spicer Elementary School in Bellville, Texas, and Austin County High School in Sealy, Texas where he excelled in Mathematics. After graduation from high school, Dennis enrolled in Prairie View A&M Univeristy, where he majored in mathematics and business. Feeling the need to serve his country, he enrolled in the ROTC. Upon graduation, he received the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army and started his service in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

As time passed, 2nd Lt. Diggs reunited with his high school sweetheart, Miss Mary Ella Hunter. They fell in love, and on June 8, 1968, they were married. Immediately afterward, Dennis was deployed overseas for a tour of duty in Vietnam. When his tour was over, he came home and received the Bronze Star Medal of Valor for bravery. Being a strong believer in Christ, he became an ordained Deacon at his family church, Louisville Missionary Baptist Church. Later, he moved his membership to Zion Hill Baptist Church in Brookshire, Texas, where he willingly served until his demise.

He then joined the Active Army Reserve while being enrolled in Commonwealth College and helping with the family business. After finishing at Commonwealth and earning a degree in mortuary science, he took over the Diggs Funeral Home. During his tenure, he built a new more efficient facility that improved the workplace and continued serving Austin County and neighboring counties with professional service done with dignity and compassion. Dennis served as president of the Texas Funeral Directors Association and as a member of the National Funeral Directors and Coastal Funeral Directors Association.

As a good citizen, Mr. Diggs had the desire to serve Austin County and its communities. He was instrumental in setting up the Austin County Emergency Communication District (911) and served for many years as its chairman. Also, he served as chairman of the board of the Bellville Housing Authority and the Austin County Red Cross Representative until Austin County Red Cross became a member of the Great Houston Area Chapter. He received the prestigious Liberty Bell Award, given annually to citizens who have significantly contributed to the well-being of Austin County communities. In addition, for a while, Dennis worked for Sealy Butane Company. He was a member of the Emergency Service District #3, the Wallis American Legion Post 200. He served faithfully as the Mayor of Wallis, Texas for a full term and some months. Dennis was a friend to all who knew him and would give his last to anyone he thought was in need. He loved his church family and all of God’s children. He loved the people of Wallis, and most of all he loved his family. Dennis was layed to rest with a 21 gun salute and TAPS was played as the flag was presented to his family.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; two aunts, Sidney and Thelmas Diggs, one uncle; an aunt; and his twin brother, Ennis Earl Diggs, Jr.

He is survived by: his wife, Mary E. Diggs; one son, Dennis Alonzo Diggs of Garwood, Texas; two sister, Jacqulyn M. Diggs, MD, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Gwendolyn M. Diggs of Forest Hill, Texas; one niece, Jessica (Shawne) Bailey of Tennessee; one nephew, Anthony Diggs of Tennessee; on great-niece, Jazlyn Diggs; one great-nephew, Joshua Diggs, both of Tennessee; one sister- in-law, Susan Diggs of Jacksonville, Florida, one brother-in-law, Rufus (Jan) Cherry of Missouri City, Texas. In addtion to, Monica Hatton, Jayme Johnson and Regima Upson were dearly loved by him. In addition, a host of other relatives and friends mourn his demise.

Thank you

The family of the late Dennis Louis Diggs wishes to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your presence, prayers, phone calls, cards, flowers, and other expressions of love and care. We may not get to speak to each of you personally, but please know that you are in our hearts and we thank God for your concern. Special thanks to Wallis Police escort, led by Chief David Mosley accompanied by his wife, Sheila, and Clark Main, Mayor-ProTem of Wallis, all those who work at City Hall, Wallis City Works, and the Wallis Fire Department, and Wallis American Legion Post 200.

The Diggs Family

DENNIS LOUIS DIGGS

1944- 2022