James Edward "Pete" Dennis was born March 17, 1938, to Edd Franklin Dennis and wife, Swannie Grimes Dennis of the Hardin's Creek Community of Hardin County. He departed this life on November 18, 2018, at his home. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jeanell Franks Dennis, his children, and their spouses: Chancellor Carma Dennis McGee and husband, Todd; and Jason Edward Dennis and wife, Ashley; grandchildren: Sarah Beth and Caleb McGee, and James and Joshua Dennis. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill Dennis and Mike Dennis, and sisters, Ruby Dennis Majors and Lucille Dennis Hosey, and many nieces and nephews. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ella Dennis Linville, and grandson, John Ethan Dennis.
After graduation from Savannah Central High School, Mr. Dennis served in the Army, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He then began a life-long career in farm machinery repair, working for John Deere for twenty-five years before opening his own business. Mr. Dennis was known for his skill and expertise throughout the agricultural communities of Western Tennessee and Northern Alabama. After retirement, he enjoyed vacationing with his grandchildren in his beloved mountains and watching them play sports. While illness limited his activities in recent years, he enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves, UT Volunteer football, and Duke basketball, especially when he could watch with his grandsons.
He was a member of Mount Hermon Baptist Church for more than sixty years, where he taught Sunday School and worked with the youth for many years.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Shackelford Funeral Directors in Savannah, with Bro. Artie Rivers and Bro. Lloyd Blankenship presiding. Interment will follow in the Mount Hermon Cemetery. Pallbearers are his nephews: Gordon Majors, Gary Majors, Nicky Linville, Vance Dennis, and Lane Dennis; and family friend Rickey Blankenship. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 -8:30 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.