Obituary - Dennis Marshall Brumback
Dennis Marshall Brumback, age 86, of Richmond, Va., departed this life peacefully at home of natural causes on April 7, 2026. Dennis was born in Winchester, Va., June 19, 1939 and graduated from John Handley High School in 1957. He then attended the University of Richmond, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and earned a degree in Business Accounting in 1961. He began his professional career with Dalton and Drinkard Accounting Firm, located in Richmond, Virginia while serving in the Army Reserve. Upon being called to active duty, with six months remaining in his term, he was assigned as a gardener at the home of General Westmorland in Washington, D.C.
Dennis's enduring love of gardening, together with a gift for floral design, led him to become the manager of Fuqua and Sheffield Flowers at Willow Lawn Shopping Center, in Richmond. In the early 1970s, Dennis established his own business, Vanity Fair Flowers on Ellwood Ave, later relocating to Libbie Avenue. He was widely recognized for his selection of international home décor and for distinctive floral designs for weddings; bar and bat mitzvahs; special events; corporate and societal gatherings; and several Virginia Governor Inaugural Balls. He also created unique custom arrangements for birthdays, hospitals, and casket palls. Later in his career, he became especially known for Christmas decorating and innovative lighting displays at many homes on Monument Avenue, in Richmond. Throughout his work, Dennis was highly regarded for his extraordinary talent and was dedicated to treating every client with care, bringing a thoughtful, individualized approach to each design.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Irving Brumback and Genevieve Bean Brumback; and by his older brother, Richard Irving Brumback. He is survived by his sister, Patricia B. Grimes of Strasburg, Va.; his brother, Frederic Irving Brumbach (Joan Ungemach Brumbach) of Manteo, N.C.; nephews, Robert Brumback (Donnelle), Jerry Lee Grimes, Jr (Dr Jennifer Gerometta), Matthew Grimes, and H. Shane Grimes (Molly McCabe); nieces, Carrie Brower (Kevin King) and Patricia Blodgett (Brian); and extended family, Colby Shreeve, who was like a son to Dennis.
A memorial service will be held in Richmond, Virginia, at a later date. Additional details will be shared when arrangements are finalized. Cremation services are being handled by Bliley's Funeral Home, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, Va.
