Dennis “Bear” Autrey, age 70, of Upper Browns Creek, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Jay and Robbie Geouge Autrey.
Bear was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting, bear hunting and fishing. He had an immense talent for making knives and holsters by hand. He had a generous heart and was always helping anyone in need. Most importantly, he loved the Lord and cherished his family, especially his grandson, and time spent with them meant everything to him.
Those who will forever hold him in their hearts are his daughter, Amanda Laws (Anthony) of Burnsville; grandson, Adam; brother, Charles Dawson Autrey (Belinda) of Pigeon Roost; special niece, Olivia Silvers (Ron) of Pigeon Roost; great-nephew, Dawson Silvers; great-niece, Ciara Silvers; and cousins: Ronnie Autrey (Sylvia) and Travis Autrey (Carol). He is also survived by numerous relatives and extended family members.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 13th, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Larry Greer and Rev. Roy Whitson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Carroway Cemetery in Celo. Pallbearers will be Jared Autrey, Larry Ogle, Michael Laws, Gabriel and Henry Bryant, Anthony Laws and Keith Laws. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the services.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge and Blue Ridge Regional Hospital for their supportive and caring staff. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
