J. W Denton

Mr. J. William Denton, age 79 of Hiawassee, GA passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2010. He was born to the late James Young and Emma (Maney) Denton on March 27, 1930 in Cumming, GA. Mr. Denton, or J.W. as he was known to his friends was a loving father and a tremendous asset to his country and his community. After Graduating from Mercer University, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he saw active combat duty in Korea. Upon returning home to Hiawassee, he joined his father, J.Y. Denton to form J.Y. Denton & Son Insurance and Real Estate firm. In 1952, he joined the Towns County Lions Club where he was an active member for over fifty years. He also served on the GA Mountain Fair Board of Directors. He was honored for his contribution to the community when he was presented the Melvin Jones Fellowship by the Towns County Lions Club. Mr. Denton was chairman of the Towns County Hospital Board a total of fourteen years and served on the Towns County Board of Education for a number of years. Mr. Denton's hobbies included his great love for automobiles and racing. He raced automobiles from 1957-1969, winning the National Championship in 1966 at Daytona International Speedway. He was also a collector of many things, all beautiful and unique in their own way. In his latter years, he became an community historian and loved to tell stories about life in the tiny town of Hiawassee. He leaves behind his soul mate, Donnie Denton, of Hiawassee, GA; his only daughter, Suzanne Denton Hoppe, of Alpharetta, GA; two sons, Jim Denton, of San Antonio, TX; John Denton, of Hiawassee, GA; two grandchildren, Eric and Missouri Hoppe, both of Alpharetta, GA; sisters, Elois D. Anderson, of Warne, NC; Jeannie D. Anderson, of Atlanta, GA; and a number of nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Mr. Denton were held on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 3:00PM from the chapel of Banister Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Ledford officiating. Pallbearers were: Terry Taylor, Larry Groves, Jerry Nichols, Robert L. Anderson III, Jeff Waldroup and Larry Sorgen. Music was provided by Bobby Taylor. Interment was in Burch cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request contributions be sent to the Susan B. Komen Cancer Fund. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements.