Mr. Eugene Jackson Denny Jr.

Eugene "Jack" Jackson Denny Jr., age 79, of Rock Spring, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Jack was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and had resided in Walker County, Georgia, since 1969. He served in the Navy on the USS Hornet during the Vietnam War. After leaving the military, he joined the Georgia State Patrol, retiring after thirty-four years of service. He married his best friend Gail on May 25, 1968 and they remained committed to each other for forty years until her passing in 2008. Together, they raised two children, Jackie and Kevin. They were longtime members of Center Grove Baptist Church. Jack enjoyed woodworking, movies, thrifting, good food, camping, and, most of all, being a grandfather to his grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Poppy." He was active in the Optimist Club, hunter safety education, and scouting with his grandson. He was known by family and friends alike for his sense of humor, self-reliance, generosity, and outgoing personality. He seemed to know someone everywhere he went. Along the way, he earned the nickname "Gator," by which many fondly knew him. Jack is preceded in death by his wife: Linda "Gail" Strickland Denny, brother: John F. Denny and sister: Irma Jean Thomas. Jack also passed from this life together with his daughter: Jacklynn "Jackie" Denise Denny Payne. Jack is survived by his son: Kevin (fiancée: Tammy Bates) Denny of Rock Spring, GA, four grandchildren: Joshua (Sloan) Payne of Madison, AL, Ashley Payne of Cookeville, TN, Austin (Zoe) Denny of Houston, TX, Madison (Will) Ingram of LaFayette, GA, four great-grandchildren: Beckett and Henry Denny of Houston, Channing and Carter Payne of Madison, AL, nephews: David and John Denny. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday – March 14, 2025 at the funeral home. The family will also receive friends Saturday at the church prior to the funeral services from 12 noon until 2:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday – March 15, 2025 at Center Grove Baptist Church in Rock Spring, Georgia with Pastors David Brown and Kevin Cantrell officiating. Burial will follow in the LaFayette Memory Gardens, LaFayette, Georgia. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes - LaFayette Chapel. Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com