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Paul T. Dennison, whose deep Dyer County, TN, roots in family and farming grew into a life of service and respect across the state of Tennessee, went to be with the Lord, June 7, 2026.
Mr. Dennison, 82, of Burns, TN, was born July 3, 1943, and died at his home in the loving care of his family. He was retired after more than 30 years of employment with the Tennessee Department of Revenue. He previously worked with his father farming cotton and soybeans on the family farm in Newbern, TN, and also served 4 years in the U. S. Air Force, at duty stations including Scotland and Japan.
Growing up in rural West Tennessee, he learned important life lessons during his time on the farm and from a loving family of 12 children of the late J. P. and Annie Lou Dennison. Those values extended throughout his life as evidenced by his caring and dependable nature as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He coached softball, was known as “Studmuffin” to a select few, bravely battled brushfires, pulled cars out of ditches for nieces and nephews, moved his daughters more times than anyone can remember, was the “sound man” at church, successfully hunted many moles in many yards, and loved to tease his co-workers, family and friends with his quiet but quick wit.
His beloved wife Susie of more than 56 years called him “Paul T.” To his grandchildren he was PePaw. He was a “rock” to all of them, as well as to his siblings and extended family, being a source of strength and wisdom. With his joking manner and joyful spirit, he built life-long friendships.
Throughout life, and his recent health battle with a sudden diagnosis of a terminal disease, he exhibited a strong faith. He cherished his memories of family, friends, work associates and his church family. He was a member of Dickson First Baptist Church, near Burns, where he and Susie have resided since 2007.
Mr. Dennison is survived by his wife, and children Paula Stuart (Greg) and Leslie Hanson, both of Nashville; Bob Dennison (Stephanie) of Dyersburg, TN, and Scott Dennison (Jennifer) of Paducah, KY. He also leaves siblings Jimmy Dennison of Forney, TX; Faye Seboly of Cordova, TN; Kay Miller of Newbern, TN; Patsy Whitworth of Little Rock, AR; Wanda Mott (Ronnie) of Kuttawa, KY; Polly Dennison of Bartlett, TN; and Mary Milam of Bartlett, TN. He was preceded in death by siblings Jerry Dennison of Glen St Mary, FL; Janet Keedy of Newbern; David Dennison of Newbern, and Carolyn Gregory of Oakland, TN. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held Friday June 12, at noon from the Chapel of the Taylor Funeral Home in Dickson with Dr. Mike Miller officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time for the service. There will also be a visitation on Saturday, June 13, from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Newbern, with a graveside service to follow at 3 p.m. in the Fairview Cemetery in Newbern with Jerry Kinsey officiating.
Honoring Mr. Dennison as pallbearers will be Barry Cayce, Randy Belasic, Scott Kelley, Jeff Barker, David Allen and Pat Cheek.
Memorial donations can be made to Equally Created Childcare at www.equallycreated.org
Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Paul Talmadge Dennison.
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