Deacon Walter Lewis Dennard, Sr. of 153 Lane Subdivision, Americus, Georgia died Saturday, April 23, 2022 at his residence.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM on the grounds of St. Paul Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Old Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery in Leslie, Georgia.  Everyone in attendance is asked to please wear a mask and to practice social distancing.

Deacon Walter Lewis Dennard Sr. passed away on April 23, 2022 at home surrounded by his wife and children.  Deacon Dennard was such a light in this sometimes dark world and had a heart of gold. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed  by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Deacon Dennard was born on December 12, 1945, in Americus, Sumter County, Georgia.  He is preceded in death by his father, Mr. John Lee Dennard, Sr., his mother, Mrs. Annie B. Dennard, his daughter, Sharon Dennard, his sister, Annie Mae Dennard; his brothers, John Lee Dennard, Jr and Henry Lee Dennard, Sr. and his brother-in-law, Alvin Foster.

He was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Ruby T. Dennard in February of 1968.  Their union was blessed with three loving children, Sharon, Sabrina and Walter Jr.

Deacon Dennard is survived by his wife Ruby Dennard; daughter, Sabrina Dennard Latham (Tony) of Fortson, GA; son, Walter Dennard, Jr. of Americus, GA;  his sisters, Helen Sims (Wilbur), Annie Barthell (Samuel) of Americus, GA, and Shirley Terry (Tom) of Albany, GA; his brothers,  Willie Dennard, Sr. (Francis) of Americus, GA and Jerry Dennard of Conyers, GA; grandchildren, Brandon Dennard of Atlanta, GA,  Bria Dennard of Americus, GA, and Trenton Latham of Fortson, GA; a great-grandson, Zamir Jenkins of Americus, GA;  eight sisters-in-law, Glenda Foster,    Brenda Foster, Zanda Thompson (Michael), and Carolyn Cladd (Jerome) of Americus, GA, Lydia Hightower, Dawanna Brown (Vince) of Boynton Beach, FL, Edith Jackson of Milwaukee, WI and Jackie Stevenson of New York; seven brothers-in-law; Clifford Thomas and Henry Lee Foster, Jr. of Americus, GA, Eric Foster (Lovey) of Preston, GA, Bobby Foster of Perry, GA, Stanley Foster (Monica), and Sherwin Foster (Margie) of West Palm Beach, FL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survived.

At an early age he professed his faith in Jesus Christ and joined New St. Paul Baptist Church. He faithfully served as an usher, choir member, and deacon.  On October 16, 1985, the church elected Deacon Walter Dennard Sr., as Chairman of the Deacon Board.   He actively served for the last 37 years.  He was also a faithful member of the Jenkin Jubilees where he sang tenor for more than 50 years.

Deacon Dennard had a passion and love for plumbing.  He poured his heart and soul into his work and there truly wasn't anything that he wouldn't do to help someone.  He gave to those in need, and would defend and stand up for his loved ones should the need arise. He retired from Perry Plumbing Company after serving as a Master Plumber for 41 years.  After which, he started his own business and was faithful to his customers for the next 16 years until his health failed in March of this year.  He genuinely loved his customers and devoted much time and energy in making sure their needs were met.  His legacy lives on through his son, Walter Jr with Dennard and Son Plumbing.

When he was off work and not at church you could find him dining out with his wife and family, watching the LA Lakers, Golden State Warriors or  Sanford and Son.

Deacon Dennard was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His grandchildren brought much joy, love, and fulfillment to his life.  His passion and integrity to those he loved was unwavering.