Gaylen Denson

Gaylen Lawrence Denson, 55, passed away on June 22 in Birmingham, AL. Son of Algerene Denson (Oliver) and Vernon Denson, Gaylen was born on October 13, 1968 in Selma, AL, where he spent much of his childhood playing sports, exploring the family land, and enjoying imaginative play with his four siblings and many cousins. 

He graduated as Salutatorian of Dallas County High School in 1987. Shortly after, he attended the University of Montevallo, where he pursued a teaching degree in Mathematics - which, iconically, was one of his many life passions. 

Gaylen returned to Dallas County upon graduating with a Master’s in Education, where he began an extraordinary career in academics and coaching. Over 33 years in education he spent pouring into the students and athletes of Brantley Elementary, Dallas County High School, and most memorably – Martin Middle School; He was known as the Pre-Algebra expert and Robotics team leader. 

Outside of the classroom, he coached every sport his schools had to offer: softball, baseball, football, basketball, track, and more. 

Known for his loud but heartfelt coaching style, Gaylen was proud to have coached many athletes that played at both the collegiate and even professional levels.

In addition to his award-laden profession, Gaylen was a devoted husband and father. Married as high school sweethearts, Gaylen and Tina were married just shy of 35 years. They shared two children, Whitney, 29, and Gabe, 25. Gaylen invested an impressive amount of time at the softball fields on the weekends, coaching his daughter’s softball teams; likewise, he frequented robotics competitions with his son, cultivating his passion for engineering.

Gaylen was the ultimate do-it-yourselfer, a connouiser in building anything and everything you could think of. Whether it was a barn, shed, swingset, or backyard baseball field, he could teach himself to build it. In addition to his slew of unique builds, Gaylen was an avid gardener and an even bigger enthusiast with holiday décor. Every holiday, many would ride by his home on Summerfield Road to catch a glimpse of his trademark holiday haybale display, which would often land him a spot in the local newspaper.

Gaylen was the ultimate family man – planning and attending family reunions; quality time was very important to him. In fact, if you knew him well, chances are that you’ve been fishing with him. Whether it was off his pier, in his boat, or in a newfound fishing hole, he loved to share his passion for fishing with family and friends – though you likely won’t catch a bigger fish than him. 

Gaylen is preceded in death by his father, Vernon Denson, father-in-law, Huey Nichols, brother-in-law, Mark Cauthen, and sister-in-law, Faye Walker. 

He is survived by his wife, Tina Denson, his children, Whitney (Chase) Ballard and Gabe (Annsley) Denson, his grandchildren, Briar Ballard, Gideon Ballard, and Scarlett Ballard, his mother, Algerene Denson, his siblings, Craig Denson, Kathy Cauthen, Kenny (Traci) Denson, John Denson, Emylee (Derrick) Higginbotham, Kevin Denson, as well as many beloved family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. from the William R. Martin Middle School in Valley Grande, Alabama with Rev. Caleb Winningham officiating. 

Interment will follow at Pineview Memory Gardens. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 5-8 p.m. at Valley Grande Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Gaylen’s Community Project Fund.

Money donated will fund various school and community upgrades in which Gaylen was passionate about improving. 

The Selma Funeral Home of Valley Grande, Alabama directing.