Dennis Staggs, age 80, of Russellville, died Monday, January 12, 2026, at his home. He was born on September 11, 1945, in Dallas, Texas to Charles Rue and Virda Lucille Staggs.

Dennis was a Mechanical Engineer, He worked for Beach Aircraft, JI Case, POM, Inc. and Stark Manufacturing, and he was a United States Army Vietnam Veteran.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Taffy Staggs; a brother and sister-in-law, Randall and Cathryn Staggs; five stepchildren, Shaune Van Houten, Russell Bode, Margaret Bode, Dr. Scott Bode and Janice Moore; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one niece, Joy Baumgardner, 2 great-nephews; 1 great-niece; and many loved cousins.

Taffy and Dennis first met in the summer of 1970. Then they reconnected and married in Russellville. Dennis was an avid car guy from an early age, racing his '62 Bel Air Chevy at the local drag strip in Wichita, Kansas. After returning from Vietnam, he raced motorcross. He shared his love for racing with his brother, Randy.

After moving to Russellville, he started his racing career at the Centerville Drag Strip after it opened. He and his brother, Randy, raced a Vega they built from the ground up. Dennis also raced a Danny Nelson dragster.

Dennis built and restored several antique cars, '55 2 Door Chevy Wagon, '37 Buick, '66 Mustang and '34 Ford Coup. Dennis won many trophies for his work of art on these antique cars. He took pride in making them as perfect as one might imagine after seeing them.

Dennis was a member of Tri-County Cruisers and enjoyed much fellowship with the car club and Valley Antique Auto Club.

A memorial service with Military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday,

January 22, 2026, at the Shinn Chapel with the Rev. Fred Goates officiating. Burial will be private in North New Hope Cemetery, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Harmony Baptist Church on Hwy 124.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis Tennessee 38105-1905 or online at www.stjude.org/donate.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com .