As a small boy, Denton helped his Dad in the grocery and feed business. His dad taught him the value of work at an early age. They lived in the Moffett Community and Denton’s job was to deliver feed. He also rounded up cows on horseback; thus his love of horses began. At age 17, he went to work at Southland Paper Mill. His dad signed a minor’s release in order for him to work at the mill. At age 19, Denton married Wooda Loyce Williams and they had five sons. They were married 30 years until her death in 1980. Denton enjoyed many good times hunting and fishing with all of his friends from the mill. He could tell stories about those days as long as you could listen. He and Jimmie Marshall spent many days together, not only hunting but doing odd jobs for people.
Denton retired in 1985 at the age of 55 from the St. Regis Paper Mill after 37 years and 2 months, where he was a member and former president of Papermakers Local Union 411. He was a foreman on the news machines. After retiring he was still busy. He worked for M&M Water Supply for 5 years, then Southland Feed for a while, all the while pursuing his love of horses. He served in various positions in the Angelina County Mounted Patrol as president, drill captain, and treasurer, from 1969 until they disbanded in 2013. Denton was also a member of the Old Spanish Trail Ride since 1988. Denton married Jo Ann Cook in October, 1990. They were members of the Pine Squares Square Dancers and enjoyed many happy times square dancing. They went to Branson, Missouri several times and also traveled some in their motor home with friends. Denton served as Board President, member of Supervisory Committee and Board Member of Southland Federal Credit Union for a number of years. He also served on the Board as President of the Berry Cemetery Association. He took pride in the upkeep of the cemetery and was instrumental in acquiring the Historical Marker for the cemetery. Denton is a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he worked alongside other dedicated men to build the new sanctuary in 2001 and 2002.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jo Ann McCoy; five sons and their wives, Danny and Shirley McCoy of Longview, Texas, David and Wanda McCoy, Steve and Berlene McCoy, Sam and Debbie McCoy and Mark and Carol McCoy, all of Lufkin, Texas; two stepsons, Mike Weaver and Richard and Christine Weaver; one stepdaughter and husband, Debbie and Jimmy Dixon; one sister, Helen Maurice Roming; nine grandchildren: Jensen and Jana McCoy, Cody and Haley McCoy, Timothy and Misti McCoy, Jessica McCoy, Hollyn and Mark Griffith, Landon and Kim McCoy, Samantha McCoy, Tressie McCoy and Colton McCoy; 10 step grandchildren; 12 step great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; mother of his children, Wooda McCoy; one brother, James McCoy; one sister, Elene Stephens; one stepdaughter, Brenda Weaver Adkison.
Visitation will be at Gipson Funeral Home on Friday, January 25, 2019 from 6-8pm.
The Celebration of Life Service will be in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. with Brother Mark Forrest officiating. Burial will follow in the Berry Cemetery.
Pallbearers for the service will be: Cody McCoy, Landon McCoy, Timothy McCoy, Colton McCoy and Jensen McCoy.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Alvis Crain, special friend, Kenneth Pinner, Brian Powell and the men of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 4303 FM 842, Lufkin, TX 75901; or to the Berry Cemetery Association, 1104 Skeetwood, Lufkin, TX 75904.
To leave condolences to the family, visit our website at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com
Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.
