“A person’s life is essentially worth no more than that which it reveals about the character of God.” (Vance Havner)
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1 KJV
These two statements guided the life of Douglas Gene Dendy.
On September 12, 1932, the Woodland, MS home of Sid and Pearl (Springer) Dendy was blessed with a son they named Doug. His journey continued until the Lord called him home on March 3, 2018. Though unexpected, those who knew him heard the “Well done, good and faithful servant” as he walked into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Whom he had served since his profession of faith at the age of 13 at Bethel Baptist Church.
Doug embraced that his life might be the only Bible some people ever read so he always strove to live it so as to point them to God - a humble servant surrendered to bringing glory and praise to His Father and making Him known to all around him.
Therefore, Doug touched lives everywhere he went – from Houston High School to Mississippi State where he majored in Business. In the Air Force in service of his country in Harlingen, TX and Cheyenne, WY to his first job in Jackson, MS with IBM. Additional education at the American Institute of Banking and the School of Banking at LSU. At Deposit Guaranty in Jackson, MS and Greenwood, MS. In his local churches as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, Treasurer and on various committees – personnel, pulpit, and building, to name a few. On the golf course, in his woodworking shop or even in his yard. Wherever the Lord directed him, he ministered to those around him as a mentor, friend, calming spirit, teacher, counsellor, and true southern gentleman.
Although his circumstances changed many times, his character never changed because his God never changed. His house had been steadfastly built upon the Rock and though the rains came, the floods came – quite literally – the winds blew and beat upon that house, it withstood the unstable and uncertain times – most notably the recent loss of his loving wife Mary of 64 years.
He is survived by two daughters – Peggy Dendy of Counce, TN and Debbie Clifton of Pauls Valley, OK; two granddaughters – Delta Clifton of Plano, TX and Tiffany Clifton Orthwein and her husband Robert of Houston, TX (plus one eagerly awaited great-grandchild to be born in July, 2018); one sister – Sidnette Carlisle of Corinth, MS; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as other surrogate members of the heart that he cherished as if of blood. Please know that all of you were deeply cherished and prayed for by Doug. Your burdens were carried as his own. Your victories were celebrated as his own. Your sorrows were borne as his own. All that touched your lives touched his and was carried to the Father in prayer, praise, petitions and thanksgiving.
Doug is now in heaven glorifying God with our family and friends that have gone before. Something he always reminded us of in our grieving: for those who believe in Jesus Christ, the separation is only temporary!
Memorial donations may be made to Gideons- First Baptist Church, Counce, Tennessee or to Charity of your choice.