Jeffrey Dendy

Jeffrey Mark Dendy, 50, passed away on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, at Memorial Hospital.Born on March 2, 1960, Jeffrey is survived by his parents, Ben and Ann Dendy, of Rossville; sister, Lisa Dendy Ray (Kim), of Ringgold; Michael Dendy (Wendy Marsh-Dendy), of Atlanta; nephews, Matthew Ray, Adam Ray and Carson Dendy; and nieces, Emily Ray and Callie Dendy.; and his great canine friend, Frazier.He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Callie W. Dendy, of LaFayette, Ga.A 1978 graduate of Rossville High School, Jeffrey attended Jacksonville State University and the University of Georgia before moving to New York City where he worked as an interior decorator, a costume designer for music/commercials/film videos, and a fashion designer.At the age of 26, Jeffrey was named CEO and president of a womens dress company in the garment district of New York City. While there, he designed aline, featured in "Womens Wear Daily," called "The Magalli Collection."After years in the fashion industry, that took him to locations including the Orient, Jeffrey shifted gears and became a stockbroker at a Wall Street brokerage firm. The company transferred him to San Francisco, where he lived and worked for six years before moving back to Chattanooga.Jeffrey merged his work experience and artistic background into a successful career as a floral designer and opened his own business, Jeffreys Flowers, on Frazier Avenue. He soon became one of the premiere floral designers in the area. Equally as important to Jeffrey as his work was his involvement in the community. He routinely donated floral arrangements to fundraising events, as well as volunteering to serve on boards and committees. Whatever he was involved in, he did it with passion. He often said he considered volunteering a career. Jeffrey donated much of his time to the Jordan Thomas Foundation, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, United Way, Chattanooga CARES, McKamey Animal Center, American Cancer Society, the Childrens Miracle Network and CADAS. At the time of his death, he was planning to launch a "Father-of-the-Year" event to benefit the Jordan Thomas Foundation.A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Max Parris and Dr. David Sampson officiating.The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the above charities.Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort and view the memorial tribute.The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. today and Thursday from 9-11 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.