Richard Denson

Richard Marion "Ricky" Denson, 48, died Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK from complications of pneumonia after a long battle with a neurological illness that ended his successful dancing and teaching career. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service at Wright & Ferguson on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, MS.

Mr. Denson was born February 23, 1962 in Jackson, MS. He graduated from William B. Murrah High School in 1980. After graduation he toured for 3 years with Up with People, an International Educational Organization, teaching through travel, community service and performing arts. It was through Up With People that he discovered & became committed to his talent in dance. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with an emphasis in Performance from Stephens College in Columbia, MO and his Masters of Fine Arts in Dance with an emphasis in Pedagogy and Choreography from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

Mr. Denson was an Eagle Scout and was a member of First Baptist Jackson and later Broadmoor Baptist Church where he was in The Notations-a youth performing ensemble. Throughout his professional career, Mr. Denson owned a successful teaching Studio in Nashville and Oklahoma City, toured extensively in the US and abroad while performing, teaching and choreographing shows that have appeared on the stage and national television. He performed in two Super Bowl Half time shows and worked with music and dance greats Brenda Lee, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Tanya Tucker, Chet Adkins, Ray Stevens and Ann Reinking. Throughout his career he also taught on the college level at Vanderbilt University, Oklahoma City University and University of Central Oklahoma. He was the recipient of numerous awards and grants.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. "Bob" Denson, Sr., of Madison.

He is survived by his greatest joy, daughter, Hannah Kaylyn Denson of Oklahoma City, OK; his mother, Audrey Lynn "Toby" Denson, of Ridgeland, MS; his brother, Tad Denson of Mobile, AL; sister, Lyn Harkins of Jackson, MS; nieces, Heather Denson Hawk, Hartley Denson, Haydn Denson, Leslie Ann Harkins and nephew, Tripp Harkins.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Up With People, 6830 Broadway, Unit A, Denver, CO 80221. (www.UpWithPeople.org) Tax ID# 95---2563102 or a charity of your choice.