July 2, 1917 – April 30, 2013

RIDGECREST — Services for William John Burton Dennis, 95, of Vidalia, who peacefully passed into his heavenly Father’s loving arms Tuesday, April 30, 2013, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Ridgecrest Baptist Church with the Rev. Preston Holder officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Young’s Funeral Home in Vidalia.

Mr. Dennis was born July 2, 1917, in Indianapolis, Ind., before moving to Baltimore where he graduated high school from City College in 1935. He worked in the lumber industry until he was 84 years old, serving as sales manager at Port Barre Lumber Industries, in Port Barre, and in the sales department in Steel City Lumber Company in Birmingham, Ala., Clemons Brothers in Amite, La., McGee Berkeley Lumber Company and finally at Rogers Brothers Lumber Company in Ferriday.

Mr. Dennis served in the Merchant Marine Service during World War II, sailing in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of conflict.

“Bill” Dennis served as a Sunday school teacher for 29 years in Port Barre, Opelousas, La., Alabaster, Ala., First Baptist Church in Vidalia and Ridgecrest Baptist Church. He also volunteered to fill in for pastors, preaching sermons whenever called, and faithfully ministered to the residents of various nursing homes near the towns where he lived. He was adored by his family for his wonderful off-beat sense of humor, fun-loving gregarious nature, devotion to his family and faithfulness in serving his Lord and Savior.

Mr. Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Fern Elizabeth Dennis Hyman, of Baltimore and his father, Burt Dennis, of Indianapolis. Bill was the loving husband of the late Margie Dennis.

Survivors include one daughter, Shanta Dennis Hollier and husband, Dr. Johnny Hollier, of Mandeville, La.; two sons, Patrick Dennis and Tim Dennis and wife, Dianne, all of Baton Rouge; and seven grandchildren, all of whom dearly loved and respected their “d-daddy.”

Online condolences may be sent to www.youngsfh.com.