David Dennis

Mr. David Dennis, 96, of Valdosta, beloved by many, went home to be with our Lord, Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. He passed away at South Georgia Medical Center after a short illness. A life-long resident of Valdosta, David was born in 1924 to the late Sam & Sophia Dennis. A talented, intelligent and energetic young man of many interests, David graduated Valedictorian from the Valdosta High School Class of 1941 at age 17. He volunteered to join the US Army Air Corps during WWII and sustained an injury under enemy fire while serving in the Pacific Theatre. We thank David, and all members of The Greatest Generation who served and literally saved the world. After the war, he attended Emory University in Atlanta, earning a degree in chemistry. His desire to become a pharmacist was interrupted as he returned home to honor his parents’ request to help in the family business.

David was well-read and pursued many interests. At one time, he studied to become a priest but did not feel the Lord’s calling so he continued to work and pursue other hobbies and interests while still practicing his strong faith. He owned and operated the successful Dennis Hobby Shop in the late 1940s, and early 1950s, and with his siblings, he co-owned, and operated the landmark Dennis Food Store in Valdosta for decades. Later in life he assisted his son for over 15 years until his death, at Sam Dennis Law. One of his favorite interests included maintaining his treasured backyard machine shop where his mastery of rebuilding “Model A” Ford engines earned him customers in Georgia, the US, and internationally. He was a master of all he encountered including managing and running a post office inside his store, his abilities as a clock builder, his culinary skills, mastery of Lebanese cuisine, as well as a poet, philosopher, rosary jewelry maker and an artist. He was constantly creating, building and perfecting new interests. He enjoyed texting (with emojis) and FaceTiming his family and friends. But above all of his hobbies and interests he would tell you that his proudest accomplishment was keeping his four young children together as a family after the death of their mother during an unprecedented time of single parenting. His dutiful compass and love for his family made this the only option for him to consider. He supported his children to pursue their own dreams and successes but mostly bragged about how well they get along and how often they talk with each other once they were grown. He was a constant encourager, teacher and friend to all he encountered, in fact, he made everyone feel like they were his best friend.

He met and married his beloved wife, Souad, in Birmingham, Alabama, and the couple had four children. David experienced many tragedies in his life with the death of close friends in college and in the war, and the death of his young wife which left him a widower with four young children. He outlived his parents, siblings, many cousins and close friends. David was resilient, however, and seemed to always pick himself up to find all the joy and happiness his life could bring. He was legendary for his (lengthy) stories, his sense of humor, and his infectious laughter. He was brilliant.

He is survived by his daughter, Jackie Dennis Schunhoff (Dennis) of Valdosta, daughter, Sallie Dennis of Atlanta, son Sam Dennis (Hala) of Valdosta, daughter, Mimi Dennis Duke, (Danny) of Birmingham, AL, and grandchildren: Bryan Hanks (Kelly) of Quitman, Jay Alchy of Michigan, David Dennis, Souad Dennis, and Miriam Dennis, all of Valdosta, Hannah Duke, Haleigh Duke, Joseph Duke, all of Birmingham and great grandchildren, Carson Hanks and Brooklyn Hanks, both of Quitman. Also surviving are nieces and nephew Marcia & Jim Norris, Yvonne & Rodney Moore, Jim & Ellen Dennis and Jeanne Dennis and brother in law and sister in law George and Sylvia Bushala, and niece Samea Mattar and several great nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Souad Dennis, sister Mary E. Dennis and brother and sister in law, Abraham & Blanche Dennis.

A Private wake and then funeral mass for the family of Mr. Dennis will be held on Monday, December 14, 2020 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where David was a member. Father Brian La Burt and Deacon David Lassiter will officiate. The wake and funeral mass will be streamed for remote viewing and will be available at Funeral on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/198847105123735/ Both can also be viewed on St. Johns YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjzDhrmnLsV8f3xV4CaEvsQ Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The public is invited to a Drive-Through Visitation which will be held at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic School. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home