Thermon Dennis was born on January 17, 1933 to Jettie P. Dennis Sr. and Katurie "Kate" Morgan-Dennis, in Buckner, Arkansas. He was the fourth of eleven children born to this marriage. Thermon was raised in a large, loving, and close knit family. He often shared fond memories of
his earliest years of education at the Childress School of Nevada County Arkansas. As a young
boy, Thermon professed hope in The Lord and was baptized at his family's home church, Clevet Springs Baptist Church of Falcon, Arkansas. Thermon was raised according to the Word of God, by his parents. The Dennis family relocated to Hope, Arkansas when Thermon was an older
youth, where the family worked on the Douglas Family farm. Through the good examples set by
his parents throughout their lives, he developed a strong work ethic. Thermon continued his
education at Yerger High School and obtained his high school diploma. After graduating,
Thermon enlisted in the United States Army, served his country well, and received an honorable
discharge.
As a youngster he fell in love with a local girl, Dorothy Laverne Johnson, and after their courtship
they were united in holy matrimony. They made their home in Los Angeles, California and were
blessed to joyfully welcome three children into their family- Garry, Sharon, and Derrick. He and
Dorothy also welcomed other family members into their home over the years. He was always a
good provider for his family; as a Postal Worker, a California State Trooper, an Animal Control
Officer for Los Angeles County, and a mechanic and driver for Long Beach transit system. In later
years he worked as an assembly line worker at Boeing in Wichita, Kansas.
Thermon was blessed in his later years to joyfully welcome another daughter, Jacqueline and
stepson Jason, from his marriage to Sandra Townsell. Even after his marriages were dissolved,
and Dorothy passed away, Thermon's heart's desire was to be a devoted father and grandfather. He was a constant and loving presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren as they grew up as well as a cherished friend to members of their school communities and extended families.
Thermon deeply loved his family at large, especially when he gathered with family for Family
Reunions, and other special occasions. He enjoyed keeping in touch with his siblings and other
family members-daily! A devout man of faith, he answered the call to preach the gospel in the
1960's and united with a church home wherever he resided- in California at True Love
Missionary Baptist Church and Beulah Baptist Church. Upon moving to Wichita, Kansas in the
early 1980's, he honorably served for several years at the Saint James Missionary Baptist Church, as an Associate Minister under the pastorate of his eldest brother, Pastor J. P. Dennis, Jr. He was widely known as a hymnologist- meaning he loved gospel hymns and enjoyed singing them. After his official retirement from employment, he returned to his native area, and united with
the Macedonia Baptist Church of Texarkana, Texas and served as a faithful Associate Minister,
Chaplain, Teacher, President of the Brotherhood, Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, and as Interim Pastor to lead the church through the challenging time of the pandemic- with
dedication, love and steadfastness. He demonstrated unwavering faith in God and total
commitment to his church families. Reverend Thermon Dennis was a good and faithful servant,
whose life, love, and ministries were fully proven to those who knew him.
Thermon worked hard at everything that he set his mind to do, and knew the importance of
enjoying hobbies and pastimes: Photography, Ham Radio, and he was an avid sports fan, most
especially for the LA Lakers and the LA Dodgers. He was very passionate about playing
Dominoes, too- as many of his fellow players and opponents can attest to-he loved to compete
and could "talk trash" with the best- but he played to win! Thermon loved good food and good
company, and especially loved his morning coffee and breakfasts at McDonald's with his good buddies. Family members describe him as: "Faithful, family-oriented, loyal, humorous,
independent, strong-willed, charismatic, and hardworking." He was very conversational, a
wordsmith, a good preacher and teacher, and he loved to nickname and use descriptive words for
family members- telling he or she that they were his "favorite" until they found out that he had
told another the very same thing!
Throughout more than 89 years of good health with no serious illnesses, and being independent
while living a contented life, Thermon "kept himself in the love of God, looking for the mercy of
eternal life through Jesus Christ", and became "absent from his body and present with The Lord"
on January 4, 2023, in Texarkana, TX, after experiencing a sudden and brief illness. He will be
remembered, for his abiding faith, reliability, strength, determination, and his unforgettable "Labor of Love". Thermon was preceded in death, by his beloved Parents, Brothers; An infant
brother, Charles E. Dennis, John L. Dennis, Jettie P. (Sarah)Dennis, Jr., Benjamin Dennis, and James W. Dennis, 3 Sisters; Lee Ella Dennis, Elsie Dennis Frierson, and Bobbie Dennis Harris and 1 Son In Law; Alfred Sosa. He is survived by 2 sons; Garry Dennis and Derrick Dennis, 2 Daughters; Sharon Dennis Sosa and Jacqueline Dennis (Grant) Benson, 1 Stepson: Jason Nelson, 7 Grandchildren; Bryan Thierry, Derrick Dennis Jr., Bryce Sosa, Tamara Sosa, Janelle Nelson, Jayla Marie Nelson, and Jason Nelson Jr.; 2 sisters; Ocie Dennis and Betty Dennis (Tommy) Arnold, 3 Sisters in Law; Estiza Dennis, Jacquelyn Dennis, Winnetia Dennis, many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and others who will miss him dearly. We will always thank God whenever we think about the things which are worthy of praise, from the life, love, and legacy of Thermon Dennis.