Dennis Reid Cordray, 76, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away on his birthday, July 4th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Denver, Colorado, Dennis was the son of Marion Cordray and Garnette Murray Cordray, who preceded him in passing.

Dennis received a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado. He also received a Master of Science and Engineering at Metropolitan State University, later achieving his Ph.D. at Brigham Young University with a specialization in thermodynamics. Dennis was interested in architectural design and served on a team that studied wooden freestanding barns in New England.

Dennis worked as a Chemical Engineer at Union Carbide/Dow Chemical in Charleston, West Virginia, for the first part of his career. He later became a Patent Examiner for the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria.

Dennis was married to Terrie Cordray until her passing. In 1998 Dennis married Diana Hudnall Pettry of Charleston. They were married for 27 years until his passing. Remaining to cherish Dennis’ memory are his wife, Diana; brother Gary and sister-in-law Janice Thomas-Cordray; children Kimberly Pehrson, Mari Cordray, and Ryanne Cordray; and stepsons Charles Pettry III and Michael Pettry.

Dennis loved woodworking and designed many furniture pieces for his home. He also loved reading, especially science fiction, and watching PBS dramas. Favorite recent memories include spending time on the beaches of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, with Diana, their family, and their Shih Tzus, Nicholas and Kringle.

In lieu of a memorial service, it is suggested donations be made in the memory of Dennis Reid Cordray to the American Lung Association and the American Parkinson Disease Foundation.