William John Burton Dennis

William John Burton Dennis of Vidalia, LA, peacefully passed into his Heavenly Father's loving arms at the age of 95 Tuesday, April 30, 2013. Mr. Dennis was born July 2, 1917 in Indianapolis, IN before moving to Baltimore, MD 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, LA, and in sales departments in Steel City Lumber Co., Birmingham, Clemons Brothers in Amite, LA, McGee Berkeley Lumber Co. and finally at Rogers Brothers Lumber Co., Ferriday, LA. Mr. Dennis served in the Merchant Marine Service during WWII, 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, Alabaster, AL, First Baptist Church in Vidalia and Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ridgecrest. LA. 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 family and faithfulness in serving his Lord and Savior. Mr. Dennis is preceded in death by his mother, Fern Elizabeth Dennis Hyman of Baltimore, MD and father Burt Dennis, Indianapolis, IN. Bill was the loving husband of the late Margie Dennis. Left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his daughter and son-in-law Shanta Dennis Hollier and Dr. Johnny Hollier of Mandeville, LA, son Patrick Dennis of Baton Rouge and son and daughter-in-law Tim and Dianne Dennis of Baton Rouge and seven grandchildren, all of whom dearly loved and respected their "d-daddy". Visitation will be from 5pm-8pm at Young's Funeral Home (200 Carter St) in Vidalia on Thursday, May 2, 2013. Religious services will be held at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, in Ridgecrest, La., at 11 a.m., Friday May 3, 2013. Rev. Preston Holder will conduct the service . "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away." Rev. 21:4 Please visit www.youngsfh.com to sign the online register book

William John Burton Dennis

July 2, 1917 - April 30, 2013