Leon Dennis Thompson was born on July 30, 1960, in Dallas, Texas, to the union of Leon Bethel Thompson and Ruby Lee Franklin Thompson.

Dennis graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Texas, on June 5, 1978. He studied aviation at Mountain View College; however, he worked at the family business, "Thompson Grocery Store," which opened in 1943 in South Dallas for most of his life, where he eventually became proprietor until it closed in 1996.

At an early age, Dennis accepted Jesus Christ at the First Tabernacle Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.

His father gave him a guitar as a child, and his relationship with that guitar grew into a love that continued until his illness kept him from it. As a young man, he played guitar for many churches and gospel groups, including the Sunny South Music Makers, the Sensational Wonders, The Marvelous Change, the Fantastic Voices of Harmony, and many more. He traveled extensively with these groups, sharing his gift with anyone who needed him to play, praising the Lord with music and fellowship. Dennis recorded his own CD and played guitar for other groups on their recordings. He continued to go to rehearsal and played for Church on the Move TIG, Pastor Thomas Dickson, and Greater Emmanuel, Pastor R.L. Washington, where he remained a faithful member until his transition to his heavenly home.

Dennis was one of the best basketball players on the court at Glendale Park in Oak Cliff. He played with the big boys, and he could put it on you.

He married Patricia Ann Thompson in 1998, who preceded him in death from cancer in 2000. He loved her very much, and there were no children from their union. After the death of his wife, he continued his dedication to being a gospel musician.

He had two sisters who preceded him in death, Ruby Thompson Cole and Camellia Robinson Pickett. He leaves to cherish his memory sisters Sherita Briscoe and Pamela Powell, brothers Reburt Keith Thompson, Michael Hemphill, and Darren Lewis, as well as special friends Earl Battles and Mike Cooley, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, band members, and friends.