Dennis Hendrix

Dennis Hendrix, Long Time Energy Executive, Dies at 86

Dennis R. Hendrix January 8, 1940 – June 1, 2026

Dennis R. Hendrix passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, in Indian Wells, California, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on January 8, 1940, in Selmer, Tennessee, to Ralph and Mary Lee Hendrix, Dennis spent his childhood in Jackson, Tennessee alongside his parents and siblings Bill and Alice.

He later earned a BA in Accounting from the University of Tennessee (1962) and an MBA from Georgia State University (1967), before beginning what would become one of the most distinguished careers in American energy. Starting in accounting at Arthur Andersen, Dennis went on to serve as President and CEO of United Foods, Inc., before moving into leadership roles at Texas Gas Corporation — where he rose to CEO — then to Vice Chairman at CSX, EVP at Halliburton, and President and CEO of Texas Eastern Corporation, ultimately serving as Chairman, President, and CEO of PanEnergy from 1990 to 1997. His tenure was defined by visionary leadership and a deep personal commitment to those he led — most notably his belief that every employee deserved the tools and support needed to succeed.

His career also included impactful service on several corporate boards, including Duke Energy, Halliburton, CSX, Newfield Exploration, Spectra Energy, Allied Waste Industries, Grant Prideco, TEPPCO Partners the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America and National Petroleum Council. Civically, he chaired the Greater Houston Partnership,the National Junior Achievement Board, and served in volunteer leadership of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and United Way Texas Gulf Coast

Those who worked alongside Dennis describe him as principled, loyal, and a man of substance — a leader who made you want to earn his respect because his standards were high for everyone, including himself. Others knew him as a man who was highly intelligent, quiet, generous, and deeply family-oriented — someone driven by a genuine value for the flourishing of individuals and families. He was a champion of higher education, a proud supporter of the University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business, and a loyal friend to many.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennie Hendrix; his daughters Alisa Hendrix, Natalie and Duwayne Miller, and Amy and Brian Summers; his brother Bill Hendrix; and his sister Alice New and her husband Brooks New.

His legacy lives on through his eight grandchildren: Chad Sutor, Jennie Sutor Flores (Alexander), Courtney Miller Morris (Evan), Cody Miller (Meryl), Ashley Summers Hudson (Ryan), Shelby Summers Hollinger (Dylan), Mitchell Summers, and Matthew Summers (Hannah). At the time of this printing, he leaves behind thirteen great-grandchildren — a number that will only grow — all shaped by his love of education, health, travel, sports, wildlife, and a legacy defined by excellence, generosity, and an unshakeable devotion to the people he called his own.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Dennis Hendrix to the Eisenhower Health Foundation (eisenhowerhealth.org/giving/) or a charity of your choice.

Eisenhower Health Foundation 39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

"The story of a life well-lived is measured not by the heights one reaches, but by the integrity of the journey and the lives touched along the way."