Jess Dennis
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Jess Dennis, lifelong resident of Harrisburg, passed away from this life on Sunday morning, July 27, 2008, surrounded by loving family at the home of his sister in Harrisburg.
Jess was born Feb. 28, 1918, as one of six children to Claud Gern and Lillie Mullinex Dennis, both preceding him in death, along with siblings, Ione Dennis Thomas, Audrey Dennis Walker, Lowell Haywood Dennis and Thelma Fay Dennis Parris.
A host of friends and relatives on whom Jess‚ life had a positive impact will continue to honor his life and memory. He is survived by one sister, Margaret Dennis Hawkins of Harrisburg and the following nieces and nephews: Jackie Ramsey, Harrisburg; Melinda Waller-Snow, Bourbonnais; Susan Speckman, Benton, Ky; Emily Park, Cedar Hill, Texas; Priscilla Hawkins, Harrisburg; and Dennis Walker, Atlanta, Ga.; many great-nieces and nephews survive, as does his treasured friend, Omalee Muensterman of Eldorado.
Mr. Dennis was Christian, having accepted and professed Christ as the atonement for his sins as a young adult. He regularly attended First Baptist Church in Harrisburg where he was a member of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class. Jess‚ examples of integrity, forthrightness, positive work ethic and trustworthiness leave an unquestioned legacy for his progeny.
Mr. Dennis was a contributing member of the community all his life, having worked at Dairy Brand for many years as an accountant and office manager until its closing. He was also employed at WSIL television for a number of years as an accountant as well as at the theater. Jess served on the boards of the Golden Circle and the Egyptian Council on Aging for many years. He was civic minded and family driven, raising his niece, Melinda, after her mother's death and caring for his aging mother until her death. His family knew him to be a steadfast rock of strength for them and one on whom they could always depend.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at the J.M. Weirauch Funeral Home with burial in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday July 29, 2008, at the funeral home.
In accord with Mr. Dennis' values and appreciation of learning and integrity of life, he asked before his death that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund as a living memorial and an inspiration for young people who choose Christian vocations.