Dennis John Killips

Dennis John Killips, 81, of Augusta, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2025. Born on December 14, 1943, in Tampa, Florida, to Virginia Rabey, Dennis was the only child of an only child who lived a vibrant and generous life, touching countless hearts with his generosity, faith, humor, and adventurous spirit.

A proud alumnus of Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and holder of a graduate degree from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), Dennis dedicated his career to education and athletics. He began as a teacher and coach, later becoming the first athletic director at Cullman Junior College in Cullman, Alabama. He then served as athletic director at the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH), where he transitioned Charger athletics from club to varsity level. Under his leadership, the men’s and women’s basketball and soccer teams competed nationally in the NAIA. Dennis coached the inaugural women’s basketball team to the NAIA nationals in Kansas City, earning the District 7 Coach of the Year award. He also led a USA basketball delegation at an international tournament in Brazil and was ultimately inducted into the UAH Hall of Honor.

In 1985, Dennis moved his family to Augusta, Georgia, to join the Alleluia Community, having been an active member of the Glory of God Community in Huntsville. He taught and coached at Saint Angela’s Academy in Aiken, South Carolina, and worked as a Senior Training Specialist at Savannah River Site for 11 years. Before retiring, he managed Fleming Apartments for several decades. Even in retirement, Dennis continued teaching, substituting, and coaching basketball at Alleluia Community School, where he joyfully worked with his children and grandchildren.

Dennis’ generosity was boundless. A devoted parishioner at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, he served as a lector. He was given the nickname “The Bread Angel” for anonymously delivering groceries to those in need. Children adored him, knowing his pockets were always filled with lollipops. His encounter with St. Teresa of Calcutta sparked a deep connection with the Missionaries of Charity, leading him to help move them into their house in Atlanta and coordinate volunteers for their summer camp in Charlotte, North Carolina for many years.

An adventurer at heart, Dennis played college baseball, went hang gliding and skydiving, drove an INDYCAR, and hiked part of the Appalachian Trail with his children. He played basketball with family, friends, and even the USA Paralympic team. He once famously played while riding a donkey in the UAH gym! With his beloved wife, Marie, Dennis traveled the world, creating cherished memories with his family.

Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Rabey, and stepfather, Charles Rabey. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marie; his children, Amy, Aaron (Alyssa), Brian (Heather), and Kevin (Angeline); his grandchildren, Mackenzie, Aiden, Dawson, Maximilian, Felicity, Macklin, Tyler, Piper, Rory, and a tenth grandchild due in October.

A visitation will be held at Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors from 5:00–7:00 PM on Monday, July 14, 2025. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Augusta, Georgia, followed by interment at the Alleluia Community Cemetery in Dearing, Georgia. A catered reception will follow at the Alleluia Community School Gym, where all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alleluia Community School. Please use this link and designate the donation for new bleachers for the Angel Dome. https://www.acsalumniassociation.com/donate

Dennis’ legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.