Local Retired Highly Decorated Brigadier General who also Led in Education, Dennis Ray Christian, Passes

Brigadier General (BG) Retired Dennis Ray Chrisitian, 80, of Fairmont, WV, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV. He was a native West Virginian, born on December 23, 1945 in Canebrake, McDowell County, WV, the son of the late Sam J. and Della M. Whitt Christian. BG Christian was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancy D. Shafferman Christian.

BG Christian devoted much of his life to serving his country, his state, and his community. He served on active duty in the United States Army as an infantry officer, including assignments with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii and 197th Separate Infantry Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia. Adapting to civilian life, BG Christian returned home to serve as the Director of Annual Giving for the West Virginia University Foundation, where he developed a national annual giving program.

He then returned to the WV Army National Guard, where he served in a variety of leadership, operational, and administrative positions. BG Christian faithfully served as the Battalion commander during Operation Desert Storm, where he led soldiers in combat. He was deeply proud of the men he commanded and brought every one of his men home safely. He has over 31 years of commissioned service. BG Christian retired from active status on January 1, 2001 as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, West Virginia State Area Command as a Colonel in the United States Army and was promoted to Brigadier General in the WV Army National Guard upon retirement.

Following his military career, BG Christian served as the Director of the West Virginia STARBASE Academy in Charleston, a Department of Defense- sponsored program that introduced students to science, mathematics, and technology. 

His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, South West Asia Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, a Parachutist Badge, and an Expert Infantryman Badge.

He was also a member of the National Guard Association of WV, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

BG Christian was a 1969 graduate of West Virginia University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He then attended the United States Army War College, where he studied National Security Strategy.

BG Christian was a family man. He and his wife Nancy created cherished memories with extended family and lifelong friends including summers on Tygart Lake, filled with boating, cookouts, and laughter. His family and friends will remember not only what he accomplished, but also the humor, stubbornness, and unmistakable personality. His greatest legacy wasn’t his military accomplishments, but the people he loved and the lives he touched.

BG Christian is survived by his daughter, Sherry Harney and her husband Courtney of Fairmont, son, Dennis “Andy” Christian and his wife Julie of Largo, FL, and grandchildren, Chase Copley, Brandon Christian and his wife Ashleigh, Emma Copley, and Alexandria “Lexi” Christian.

In addition to his parents and wife, BG Christian was preceded in death by his sister, Ruby Sims, brothers, Jimmy, Harold, and Bob Christian, as well as longtime companion, Sandy Joe, and her family.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the staff of Harmony at White Oaks, who cared for Dennis with extraordinary kindness, affection, and dignity. 

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Amedysis Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided to Dennis and his family during his final days, and to the WVU Cancer Center for their professional care.

Memorial contributions may be made in BG Christian’s memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont. Friends and family will be received on Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 12 Noon until 5 pm. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday at 5pm with Chaplain Kyle Huffman officiating. A service of committal will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 10 am in the West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytown, WV, where full military honors will be rendered. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.