of Bryant, AR
November 6, 1923 - March 10, 2015
Alfred W. Dennis', 91 (Bryant, Arkansas) purple heart was silenced on March 10, 2015.
Al was born November 6, 1923 in Monette, Arkansas. He was predeceased by his parents, Jaco and May Dennis; sister, Pauline Crandall and brother, J.D. Dennis.
Al was raised on a small farm in Ward, Arkansas. He picked cotton and hoed the family garden. He complained about having to walk everyday one mile to school in all different kinds of weather.
He was a handy man who turned a bolt on everyone's heart he met.
Al retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after 35 years of service. He was a member of Pioneers of America. He enlisted in the Army April 19, 1944 and raised to the level of Master Sergeant. He served in World War II and the Korean War as an officer in charge of 35 to 39 men. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Service Star.
He was married 62 years to his beloved wife, Patricia Strickland Dennis. He was the center of his family. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Susan Grable (Phil) and Cindy Wheeler (Ron). The light of his life was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Shawn Smith (Kim); Shelli Goldthorpe (Andy); Lindsi Hutchins (Shey) and Brent Wheeler; Great grandchildren: McKenzie, Nick, Noah Kerry; Beau Goldthorpe; Reagan and Jaxon Hutchins; Hayley and Landon Knapp.
Dear to Al's heart was his church family at Indian Springs Baptist Church. He loved his pastors, Brother Tom and Brother Don. He served many years as a faithful deacon. He wore many hats.
In his earlier years he enjoyed bird hunting and crappie fishing. He was an excellent vegetable farmer. Al will be remembered as a generous, kind, good friend and loving father and husband.
A time of visitation with the family will be held Friday, March 13, 2015 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209 (501) 455-5800.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Indian Springs Baptist Church at 23581 Interstate 30, Bryant, Arkansas. Burial is to be at Forest Hills Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Indian Springs Baptist Church at 23581 Interstate 30, Bryant, Arkansas 72022 for XYZ, Debt Retirement or Library.
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the loss of your loved one.In the scriptures Job 14:14,15 and John 5:28, God promises that he will resurrect our loved ones in the near future .I hope that Jehovah , the God of comfort grant you peace.
I've known Mr. Dennis since childhood. He seemed to always have a smile on his face and a spring in his step. Growing up at South Highland Baptist Church holds precious memories for me. He, Mrs. Dennis & Cindy are part of those memories. May you find comfort in knowing others are praying for you during these difficult days. Love to each of you.
Dearest Pat and Family
We were so saddened to hear of Bro. Al's passing!! He was one of the kindness men we have ever known. Bro. Al always had a smile and a kind word for us!! Pat you all are in our prayers. You know we love you and we know you will miss Bro. Al but what a reunion we will all have one of thes days! May our Lotd comfort you in this time of sadness!
Papa
We are going to miss you so much but I know you are right where you want to be up in heaven just fishing away... I will always cherish the memories we have together.. I will see you again one day! Reagan and Jacob love you too.. you always loved us kids so much... I love you.
Lindsi
Dear Sir Al, Father-in-Law and Friend,
As you know, I have known your daughter Susie since we were just small children but it has only been in these last few years that we have been lucky enough to share a life as Husband and Wife.
Regrettably, I have had only this short period of your life to get to know you. I have, however, been fortunate enough in this brief moment to not only get to know you as a Father-in-Law but love you dearly as a Friend.
Our time together shall always be cherished by me. I will always laugh fondly, remembering your humorous stories. I will always celebrate proudly your service and sacrifice to God and Country and I will always love and support this wonderful family you have given to the rest of us.
You need not fear for our future for I promise I will Love, Honor and Cherish your daughter Susie for the rest of our lives together. I just wish you were going to be here to share that life with us. You will be missed, as both a Father-in-Law and a Friend.
Pat, I am so sorry to hear about Al. Prayers for you and family during this difficult time. Al will be missed.
Your loss has left a tremendous void in our lives. While I'm confident you're catching "the big one" in heaven, know that there are many left behind many that are mourning your passing. You've been the epitome of a great Christian, thank you for positively impacting so many lives.
Thank you papa for everything that you did for our family. My time on this earth with you was short compare to all your years, but i cherished every second of it. I'll see you again one day papa. I love you. Rest in peace.
Papa,
You were a wonderful man and and even better Grandfather. You were more than anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for everything and we love you and miss you.
Condolences for a cousin and his family that I never met. My Grandfather was Arthur W. Dennis and my grandmother was Vola. I remember and Aunt May from my youth, possibly his mother and I have taken pictures of Jaco's gravesite.
Al
You were like a father to me. I will truly miss all the stories and talking we did at the kitchen table. Thanks for all the memories. I will never forget you. Love You, Ron
Papa---Thank you for all your love and for being the kind of person I would like to be. I love you and miss you.
Brent
Pat and family, we are so sad to hear about Al, in our thoughts and prayers. Eddie and Debbie
We love you~ always
My dad was the most loving, kind and patient man I have ever known. He would do anything for anyone at any time. The world has lost a great man and I have lost a father who was so dear to me. I love you and miss you. Your ever lasting love for me will help get me through these long hard days ahead. I love you so much.
Cindy
Papa Al was one of a kind. A great family man adored by everyone. Words cannot express how much his family and friends will miss him.
Love,
Shawn & Kim
Patricia and family: The Little Rock Life Member/AT&T Pioneers send their collective condolences. May God's Love surround you all as you endure the difficult days ahead.
America has lost another one of the Greatest.Generation. A father is such a special person, when he dies it feels like you have lost your identity. A thousand tears won't bring you back; I know because I have cried a thousand. You were my hero.
I can see you riding your tractor on the streets of gold. I love and miss you so much. The times we spent together are locked inside my heart. I will meet you at the gates of heaven some day. I love you so much.
Susie
Cindy,
So sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a gentle man. I still remember the dinners at your mom & dads with all your craziness. & your dad just shaking his head. He was such a good man. My thoughts are with you & your mom. Take care
You will be missed.
Love ya,Doris
Prayer going up for the family
Our dearest friend whom we will miss so much. Rest in peace Al, until that great day when we are all together again. Our hearts are with Pat and the entire family as Al leaves a hole no one else can fill .