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Gus Blanchard Denton

1940 - 2025

Gus Blanchard Denton obituary, 1940-2025

BORN

1940

DIED

2025

Gus Denton Obituary

Gus Blanchard Denton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on June 5, 1940, Gus grew up in Shelby, Mississippi. He led a life of profound faith, service, and adventure, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Gus was an Eagle Scout and a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1962. His dedication to serving others was evident early on when he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Adjutant General Corps from 1962 to 1964. He later attended Harvard Business School's Program for Management Development in 1973, furthering his leadership skills. Gus spent much of his career at National Bank of Commerce, rising to the role of Executive Vice President,
Chief Administrative Officer, and Secretary of the Board, before continuing as a consultant after his retirement in 1999.

Throughout his life, Gus was deeply committed to his community, serving on a variety of boards, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Linden Street Capital Corporation, and French Camp Academy. He was a longtime Elder at Independent presbyterian Church and, later in life, became an active member of Christ Covenant Reformed Church, where he continued his devotion to the Lord and his church family.

A man of deep Christian faith, Gus's life was marked by his devotion to Christ and his service to others. He found joy in helping those in need, and his generosity extended to both his church and to global causes. He also served as a leader with the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, the Pink Palace Museum, and other organizations that made a difference in Memphis and beyond.

Gus had a love for travel and adventure, and he and his wife, Priscilla "Candy" Stanley Denton, spent years exploring the world, even visiting far-flung places. They also traveled with their children and grandchildren to Africa, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Enjoying a home in the mountains of North Carolina and the community of Highlands Falls Country Club, much time was shared with family and dear friends. Gus cherished his friendships at Hatchie Coon Hunting and Fishing Club and the University Club of Memphis, where he was past president. He enjoyed summers at Pickwick Lake, always making time for the things that brought him the
greatest joy-family, friendship, and the great outdoors.

Gus is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Candy Denton; his children, Catherine Denton Wilfong (John) and Mary Denton Sensing (Ben); his five grandsons, Jonathan Wilfong, Bennett Wilfong (Weldon), Luke Wilfong, Benjamin Sensing (Susanna), and Gus Denton Sensing; his brothers, Will Denton and Charles "Chip" Denton; and a large circle of family and friends who will miss him deeply.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christ Covenant Reformed Church, 1779 Kirby Parkway, Suite 1-377, Memphis, TN 38138-3666, or International Justice Mission, PO Box 96961, Washington, DC 20090-6961, organizations that Gus supported with his heart for justice and service.

A celebration of the Gospel and life of Gus Blanchard Denton will be at noon, Friday, January 24th, at Independent Presbyterian Church 4738 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN. Visitation will be at 10:30, immediately preceding the 12 o'clock service. Gus's life of faith, service, and love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of devotion to Christ and is family, along with his generous spirit, will forever be cherished.

Gus Blanchard Denton will be remembered as a man who loved deeply, served faithfully, lived with grace and integrity, and loved a party…especially if dancing was involved! He now rests in the peace of Christ, whose love he reflected throughout his life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Memphian from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Gus Denton

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Shannon Coffey

February 2, 2025

Candy. I don´t know if you remember me, but I remember Gus and you from my childhood at IPC. I remember Gus being kind to my mom (Jamie Cahill) and his smile, and I remember him laughing with you in the hallways of the church and calling us over to share the joy. I remember him helping us get my mom´s wheelchair on the ramp and my mom saying your name was candy bc you were sweet like candy. We remember the ways people made us feel. Gus is surely with my mom now In Heaven. May you be filled with truth that the Lord is near and filled with hope of Heaven as you grieve. Blessings. Shannon (Cahill) Coffey

Robert & Christa Kinkade

January 29, 2025

Christa and I had the opportunity to have our life's path cross with Gus and Candy on a cruise a few years ago. We immediately became friends. We spent numerous hours together dining and laughing. Christa already misses her dance partner. We will dearly miss his smile, wit, and welcoming manner.

Archie Mae Lewis & Family

January 28, 2025

Our deepest condolences to you Candy and the family , Mr Denton was a very sweet and generous person and will forever be in our hearts .My mother Archie Mae has been apart of your family for many years and we are truely gratefull for the love you both have shown her down through the years , may God continue to bless and cover you all

Henry Turley

January 27, 2025

Candy, I will always remember how dear you and Gus were to my mother Cordelia. Thank you. Henry

Brian Lowery

January 24, 2025

Gus was as fine a person as our Creator ever put on this Earth. I was blessed to have known and worked with him.

Ann Geary

January 22, 2025

Candy- Jim, Ashby, Charlie, and James and I are so sorry to hear this news. Gus was such a wonderful neighbor and friend to us in Highland Falls. We will always cherish the beautiful memories we have with him. Also that warm smile. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending you hugs from all of us . Another beautiful Angel is in heaven watching over all of us . Ann

Tommy Farnsworth

January 21, 2025

This is very hard to absorb and harder to understand. Gus was my friend from Ole Miss college and Phi Delta days , later as the glue that held the NBC leadership together during the best of times ,especially during our major growth period. He was a solid business confidant, the best of family leaders, and wonderful friend of many .Gus will be missed.

Susan Ketchum

January 21, 2025

I am so sorry for loss of Mr. Denton. We sat in front of he and Candy at church. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

Onifer Wilmoth

January 21, 2025

Gus and Candy were always such thoughtful and friendly folks. I thoroughly enjoyed working with both of them in Highlands NC. Gus will be greatly missed. Blessings and prayers to Candy and the family.

Fondly,

Wanda Moore Winsett

January 21, 2025

Win and I were shocked and devastated to hear that Gus had passed away, he and Candy were neighbors and friends thru Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.

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