E. Bryon Dennis

Byron Dennis, 90, formerly of the Jackson area, passed away early Thursday morning, October 16, 2014. Byron resided in Jackson most of his life. He founded his own insurance company and operated it for 50 years. Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1924, Byron enlisted in the Navy in 1941 at the age of 17. He served 3 ½ years on the DD368 Flusser in the South Pacific during World War II. Byron was a private pilot, sailor and active in the Employers’ Support of the National Guard. As one of the earliest members of the Jackson Yacht Club, Byron undertook many a task to help his friends with boat repairs. Later, in retirement, Byron went to live at the Armed Forces Retirement Home with those who served our country. He was very active there and enjoyed being with other veterans. He initiated and published “The Scuttlebutt” newsletter for the Gulfport Armed Forces Retirement Home. It was there that he met Bettylu Hilton Sheer. They were married in May of 2004 and enjoyed over ten years together. Byron was widowed in 1999 after 52 years of marriage to Steen Quin. He is survived by his son, Quin (Lisa) Dennis of San Marcos, TX and his daughter, Lou Ellen (Larry) Latham of Madison. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Wes (Christie) Dennis and their son Will and Alex (Lisa) Dennis and his son Nicholas, (all of Chattanooga, TN) and Cameron Dennis and Claire Dennis of San Marcos, TX. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 20, 2014, 1:00 P.M. at the Armed Forces Retirement Home Chapel, 1800 Beach Drive, Gulfport. Visitation will be from 12:30 P.M. until service time. Arrangements by BRADFORD-O’KEEFE FUNERAL HOME, 15th ST. Gulfport. View and sign the register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com