CHARLIE DENNIS JR.
Deacon Charlie Dennis Jr., of 5435 Dais Road, Rembert, departed this life on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter.
Born on Jan. 24, 1943, in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Charlie Sr. and Teresa Miller Dennis. Deacon Dennis attended the public schools of Sumter County and graduated from Ebenezer High School. After graduation, he made his home in New Jersey, where he became an entrepreneur in the construction business. He started out by buying old buildings and renovating them for sale. He became a gifted builder. He enjoyed experimenting with wood, turning ashes to beauty. His work led him to being a tenant of many buildings for more than 40 years in New Jersey and at the present in Sumter County. His gift led him, along with some of his brothers and cousins, to building his present home for him and his family as they prepared to return to his roots in Sumter County in 1999.
Charlie was a family man and loved being involved in civic affairs. He was very active in the community, helping others, keeping up with politics and fellowshipping with his graduating class of 1961. He had a love for the area he and family resided in. He opened and ran two convenience stores, along with the help of his wife and several community persons. He consulted with the school district and had an after school program for the children in the area in which he lived, as well as an adult program for retired adults.
Deacon Dennis loved God and did not mind worshiping and praising God. While living in New Jersey, he was ordained as a deacon. Upon his return to Sumter, he joined New Millennium Deliverance Temple in Sumter. As a deacon in New Millennium, he worked diligently under the leadership of Apostle and Pastor Dennis. In 2014, Deacon Dennis and his family moved their membership to New Birth Holiness Church under the leadership of Bishop Nathan Amos. Deacon Dennis was a faithful member, deacon, church executive board member and Sunday school teacher.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John Dennis.
Deacon Charlie Dennis Jr. leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted and compassionate wife, Jannie Mae Dennis; a loving son, Dwayne Bernard Dennis; 11 siblings, Edward Dennis, Willie (Elizabeth) Dennis, Pastor Ruth (Frances) Campbell, James Dennis, Eva Moody, Abraham Dennis, David Dennis, Orin (Ivory) Dennis, Hazell Dennis, Albert (Loretta) Dennis and Apostle Gregory (Pastor Leta Dennis); along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation at the home, 5435 Dais Road, Rembert.
Public viewing will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. today in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at New Birth Holiness Church, 42 Larkin St., Sumter, with Bishop Nathan Amos, pastor, Pastor Cedric Miller of Living Word Christian Fellowship Church, Neptune, New Jersey, eulogist.
The funeral procession will leave the home at 10:15 a.m.
The remains will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. for viewing until time of the services.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.