Denton L. Dial

Mr. Denton L. Dial, 68, affectionately known as "Poppy", passed away suddenly Saturday morning (December 28, 2024) at Memorial Satilla Health.
He was born November 11, 1956 in Homerville to the late Benjamin Franklin Dial and Beulah Mae Booth Dial. Denton was raised in Manor, and he graduated from Ware County High School in 1974. He received his education specialist degree in administrative supervision from Valdosta State University. Denton dedicated his life to education which included teaching at Manor Elementary School, assistant principal at Ware County Junior High School, principal at Emerson Park and Williams Heights Elementary Schools, and he retired from the Ware County School System as principal of Waresboro Elementary School in 2009. He retired from his professional career so he could begin his most treasured one with the title of "Poppy". In 2011, he began serving on the Ware County School Board, and served with distinction as Chairman for the past two years.
Denton was a member and deacon of Kettle Creek Church. He was also a member of the Waycross Exchange Club, Satilla Regional Water Department, and the Georgia School Boards Association. Denton was associated with the Church of God of Prophecy for most of his life and was a previous member and deacon of Crossview Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Delvis Dial; and father-in-law, J. W. O'Berry.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Sandee O'Berry Dial of Waycross; his daughter, Aimee Dial Mancil (husband Joey) of Waycross; granddaughter, Annie Mancil; his beloved maltese, Bella; siblings, Donald D. Dial (Brenda), Darell Dial (Brenda), Dee White (Bob), and Diane Blount (Bill); sister-in-law, Joan Dial; mother-in-law, Delores O'Berry; sister-in-law, Bobbie Wildes (Dwight); brother-in-law, Rickey O'Berry (Donna); best friend, George Leggett; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday (January 1, 2025) at Kettle Creek Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church.
The Ware County School Board is requested to meet at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church to serve as honorary pallbearers.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to his tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome.com.
Music Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.