Denny T. Wolfe Jr.

Dr. Denny Thruston Wolfe, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. He was the only child of Denny Thruston and Carmen Haynes Wolfe; he was born in Marion, Virginia. Growing up in the southwest corner of Virginia, he often threatened to write the story of his youth, calling it “Growing Up Appalachia.” The book was never written, but it was always there in his active mind. Denny Thruston Wolfe, Jr., never forgot where he came from. After graduating from high school, he attended Lees-McRae College, where his basketball skills flourished. Upon completing his studies, he transferred to Appalachian State University, where he graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in English and English Education. From 1966 to 1979, he worked in the North Carolina schools, including his alma mater, Lees-McCrae, and earned an M.A. at Appalachian State and a Ph.D. at Duke University. In 1974, he became the state director for the Division of Languages. Of course, Denny was an avid Duke basketball fan and loved his Blue Devils. In 1979, he was appointed professor of English Education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where he served in varied and increasingly responsible positions for the next 23 years. His many achievements included training countless teachers, authoring more than 80 publications, writing four books, leading the Tidewater Writing Project, and serving as a principal investigator on grants. Throughout the College of Education, he was respected and appreciated for his even temper, sense of humor, openness to new ideas, and willingness to assist his colleagues. In 2002, Denny Wolfe left ODU for a well-deserved retirement. He leaves behind a legacy of enduring academic achievement and loyal service to Old Dominion University. Denny is survived by Catherine, his loving and devoted wife of 28 years; his son, Cary Wolfe; his daughter, Ashley Long, and her husband, John; and his two grandchildren, Riley Long and Owen Long. A Funeral service will be held at 11 am, Friday, November 21, 2025, in Loving Funeral Home, followed by a gathering of friends at nearby East Side Ristorante, 5630 Portsmouth Blvd, Portsmouth.