Captain Charles Dennis McKelroy passed peacefully into the arms of God Friday, May 15, 2026, after a brief battle with esophageal cancer.

Dennis was a graduate of Brazosport High School in 1973 and began his career in the merchant marine industry as a deck hand but quickly advanced in positions and earned his license and position of captain on large offshore oil well service ships. He loved telling stories about the people he met, his adventures and travels around the world. His travel opportunities allowed him to practice his ultimate love, photography. Dennis loved to travel to west Texas and spending time on the beach taking breathtaking pictures of scenery, birds and other wildlife.

Dennis was proud of his Texas heritage. He was a descendant of Emily Margaret Austin Bryan Perry, sister to Stephen F. Austin. He was a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. He was also a life-long member of Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church.

After retiring as a sea captain, Dennis earned a bachelor’s degree in finance at Brazosport College. He became his mother’s primary caregiver allowing her to stay in her home around the people and things she loved until her death in 2019.

He is predeceased by his parents Charlie D. McKelroy and Catherine McKelroy Henry, his sister Alice Turk and her husband Andrew. He is survived by his sister Kathy Ballow (Bill) of Henderson, TX, his brother David McKelroy (Cindy) of Lake Jackson, TX, many nieces, nephews, and close cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church in Jones Creek, Texas Friday, June 19th. There will be a visitation with family at 4:00 p.m., and the service will start at 5:00 p.m. officiated by Reverend David Pierce. His remains will be buried in Gulf Prairie Cemetery near his parents and sister in a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church

123 Gulf Prairie Road Freeport, TX 77541

Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services 5920 W. William Cannon Dr Bldg 3, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78749 Check memo: Cammack-Bierschwale Endowment