J. W. Dennison, of Gray, was called home to be with the Lord Saturday, November 19, 2011 at his home with his family by his side after an extended illness. He was born in Kingsport July 30, 1924 and lived in Gray since 1952.

In 1954, he was saved and baptized in Boone Lake and joined Cedar Creek Baptist Church.

J.W. was a WWII Veteran. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1944 and served in the Pacific area until he was wounded in action while serving against the enemy at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. He received the Purple Heart and was proud to be a Private First Class Marine. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

He retired from Eastman Kodak in 1979 after 32 years of service working in the organic chemical division. After retiring, J.W. and Colleen loved to travel.

He was a 55 year member of the Masonic Lodge, receiving his 32nd degree. As a member of the Scottish Rite, he loved fitting shoes for the children in need. J. W. was a Shriner and always enjoyed driving the children to the Shriner's hospital in Greeneville, S.C. to get treatment. He was a past state commander in the Disabled American Veterans in 1989 – 1990. He was also a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Cooties.

He was preceded in death by his parents Amos Marion and Mary Rachel Taylor Dennison; fourteen siblings, Charlie Dennison, Wilmer Dennison, Warren Dennison, Jack Dennison, Rushia Hale, Kathleen McClure, Jewel Mayes, Nannie Patrick, Bertha Bridwell, Lawrence Myers, Myrtle Myers, Beulah Patrick, Ocie Salley, and Roe Wilhelm.

Mr. Dennison was a beloved and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to all he met. He is survived by the love of his life, Wilma Colleen Dennison, of the home, whom he married in 1946 after returning from the Marine Corps. They would have been married 65 years November 28, 2011. Also surviving is his son, James Dennison and wife Vickie, of Gray; daughters, Connie Wilson and husband Chris, of Gray and Anita Haynes of Knoxville; six grandsons, Jeremy Pearson and wife Karen, Dustin Pearson and wife Chrissa, Adam Dennison, Patrick Dennison all of Gray, Bryan Pearson and wife Brittney of Jonesborough, and Tyler Haynes of Knoxville; one granddaughter, Madison Haynes of Knoxville; two great-granddaughters, Rebecca and Rachel Pearson and one great-grandson, Judd Pearson all of Gray, whom he wanted to visit with every day. He loved to have company. He was anxiously awaiting the arrival of twin great-grandbabies in May 2012. And also a host of nieces, nephews, many friends, and a special brother-in-law, Charles Mayes of Johnson City.

The family of J.W. Dennison will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport with funeral services to follow with Rev. Richard Harris officiating and Masonic Rites performed by the members of Sinking Creek Masonic Lodge # 575.

Military graveside services will be held at Mountain Home National Cemetery Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Military Honors by the Bristol VFW Honor Guard. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:00 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jeremy, Dustin, and Bryan Pearson, Adam and Patrick Dennison, Tyler Haynes, his son-in-law, Chris Wilson and Allen Bradley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Clinton Isenberg, Don Crowe, Lucky Haynes, Phillip Dennison, Tom Addington, Charles Mayes, and his nephews.

Scott Co VA McConnell Connections; through his spouse Wilma Colleen Gilliam Dennison, Harmon Benton and Pearl Venus Jennings Gilliam, marcus Lafayette and Sallie Pendleton Gilliam, William S and Elizabeth McConnell Gilliam, Thomas James and Elizabeth Compton McConnell, Nancy McConnell, George McConnell