Dennis Ray Liford "Denny" Obituary (1955

Dennis Ray Liford “Denny”, 67, of Lily, Kentucky passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 at the University of Kentucky Hospice Care Center. Denny was born on November 15th, 1955 in Corbin, Kentucky. He was born into a large family, with seven older siblings and enjoyed a childhood filled with love, family and music. Denny loved cars and ultimately enjoyed a successful career as an award-winning mechanic. In 1978, he placed third in a national competition held in Detroit, Michigan, which included auto technicians from every region of the United States. Later in life, Denny obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting and Communications from Eastern Kentucky University, where he graduated number one in his class. He then enjoyed a career at Union College, in the Information Technology Department. Denny was also a proud Kentucky Colonel. Though his multifaceted intelligence resulted in two successful careers, his true talent and passion revolved around music. Growing up in a music centered family, Denny began playing the guitar around age nine. In high school, he started a band called “The Day After Tonight”. As a young adult, he performed in various gospel groups, including “The Melody Makers” and “The Ambassadors for Christ”. He later had two Classic Rock bands, “The Lyford Band” and “Flashback”. His passion and knowledge of music was beyond impressive and it seemed to pump through his veins. He literally had a song for every occasion. His music brought joy to so many people through the years. To know and love music, was to know and love Denny. Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Clara (Garland) Liford and siblings Harry Liford, Burl Lee Liford, Racheal Faye Liford, Clyde Liford, Bobby Liford and Odra Liford. He is survived by his wife and soul mate, Nora Liford, one son, Dennis Todd Liford of Lexington, two daughters, Regina Beth Rotkvich of Chicago and Pamela Darlene May of Lexington, one grandson (his “sidekick”) Hayden Rotkvich of Chicago and sisters Janice (Ron) Manning, Bitha Liford and Brenda Liford, all of Corbin. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and countless friends. He was always saying “car show people and classmates are the most loyal people around”. He cherished two very special nephews, Harry Liford and Donnie Liford, a special niece Kaye Helton and a special friend Edward “Buster” Pallette. A memorial service for Dennis Ray Liford will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of House-Rawlings Funeral Home with Roger Wolfe officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 beginning at 6:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Denny wholeheartedly supported St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Donations to St. Jude's in his name would be greatly appreciated. The family has entrusted House-Rawlings Funeral Home with the arrangements. The family has requested that the service be livestreamed: Click here to view Livestream of Funeral Service