Garland Cecil Denley Jr.

1939 - 2022

Garland Cecil Denley, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2022, from complications arising from a recent stroke. He was surrounded by his loving children, holding their hands as he was gathered home. He was a vibrant 83 years of age.

Garland was born in a log cabin on April 9, 1939 to Mattie Mae and Garland Denley, Sr. in Coffeeville, Mississippi. He lived a hard-working, family-filled life on the farm as the third oldest brother of five siblings. He was always known as "Junior" to family and friends. After graduating from Coffeeville High School in 1957, he attended Northwest Mississippi Junior College, earning an Associates of Science Degree and followed up with additional classes at the University of Mississippi. A young Garland met a vivacious eighteen year old Doris Ann Jenkins on July 27, 1958. They had their first date at the Pink Palace in Memphis, Tennessee. They were married on June 18, 1961. They soon welcomed daughters Diane (1964), Vivian (1968), and son Gary (1971). This loving, committed couple were inseparable until Doris' death on May 6, 2022, just short of their 61st anniversary. Her passing took a toll on Garland that he never truly recovered from. Garland joined the US Air Force in 1962 in active duty then continued his service in the Air Force Reserves as an aircraft mechanic, reaching the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1968. Working alongside his father doing framing and trim work, he became a master carpenter. After building homes for Martin & Herring Construction, he joined forces with his brother Joe for more than 25 years. Over his career, Junior built more than 1000 homes, delivering unparalleled craftsmanship throughout the Mid-South. He devoted time, knowledge and skills to the Boy Scouts of America, inspiring and supporting Gary throughout the years from Cub Scout to the penultimate rank of Eagle Scout. Among other accolades, Garland was awarded for "Best Awning Removal" by Gary's troop. He was "Pa" to his grandchildren and always in attendance at ballgames, Taekwondo tests, and piano recitals. Ready at a moments notice to go shooting at the range, scout for deer, work on anything with a motor or to hold court from his recliner and dispense "Pa" wisdom and stories. Anyone who met Garland knew immediately that he was passionate about the outdoors. He loved to be out in nature, especially any time the bass or crappie were biting or the deer were in season. Always ready to take a trip to hunt more challenging game, he traveled to the Rocky Mountains for antelope, mule deer and elk and to any accessible body of water within driving distance to hook any game fish imaginable. A life member of the NRA and Midsouth Sports Shooting Association, he was still an outstanding marksman at 83 years old.

Garland was predeceased by his parents, Mattie Mae and Garland, Sr., older brothers Charles and Arnold, beloved wife Doris, and daughter Diane. He is survived by daughter Vivian (Wayne), son Gary (Suzanne), grandchildren Hunter Denley, Victoria Hilton and Lexie Hilton, sister Ida Mae Denley Rhodes, and brother Robert Joe Denley.

Funeral services will be held Saturday August 13th at 10:30 a.m. at Germantown Baptist Church with interment and military honors following at Memorial Park Southwoods.