Alphonso Dennis

Minister Alphonso (AL) Dennis passed away Saturday, July 12, 2014, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, IN, at the age of 62, after an extended illness. He was born June 2, 1952, in Swainsboro, GA, to Jeanette (Young) Dennis and the late John D. Dennis Jr. (Squeaky).

He was a long time resident of both Rockdale and Palestine, TX, in which he was employed by Alcoa for nearly 20 years, before his job relocated him to Newburgh, Indiana in 1988. He married Ora Ogburn in 1992 and was faithfully married for 22 years, until the Lord called him home.

AL graduated from Emanuel County High School in Swainsboro, GA and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA in 1974.

AL professed his life with Christ at an early age. He was a long standing member of Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church and served faithfully as an ordained Deacon and Administrator of C-REC under the late Rev Douglas Smith. In June of 2004, he received the blessing of Rev. Douglas Smith to serve alongside his brother, Pastor John D. Dennis III. In whatever capacity, AL’s gift and calling could be utilized at Faith Temple COGIC to help build the Kingdom of God. After 2 years of serving as Chairman of the Deacon Board at Faith Temple Church of God In Christ, AL was called by God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 2006. After he accepted his calling as a Minister of the Gospel, he served faithfully for 10 years as an Executive Board member, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Adult Choir Director, and Financial Secretary until the Lord called him home.

Retiring from Alcoa, after 35 years of service, AL took pride in being a dedicated employee. His family could count on one hand the number of times he missed work. He never met a stranger and had a heart of gold. He believed that a “godly man” will do whatever is necessary to care for and protect his family. This is the strong legacy he has left us.

He is survived by his wife, Ora Dennis of Newburgh, IN, mother, Jeanette Dennis of Bowling Green, KY; two sisters, Tess (Will) McKinley of Bowling Green, KY, Jacqueline Blair of Bowling Green, KY; two brothers, John (Pamela) Dennis III of Evansville, IN and Rodney (Patti) Dennis of Macon GA; nine sons, Christopher of Newburgh, IN, Alex-Jon of Palestine, TX, Bobby (Shauntay) Ogburn, Jr. of Newburgh, IN, Gary (Lindsey) Ogburn, Sr. of Newburgh, IN, Jelani of Tyler, TX, Gabriel of Newburgh, IN, Gerrickk of Newburgh, IN, Cornelius (C.J.) of Tumwater, WA, Jamari of Evansville, IN; four daughters, Kiki Ogburn, Debra (Anthony) Hughes, Sr. of Evansville, IN, Tai’Keishia of Newburgh, IN, Angie (George) Hopson of Evansville, IN; Jazzimane of Orlando, FL and Gary, Jr. of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Julian and Mercedes; many other grandchildren and great- grandchildren; nieces; and other relatives and friends.

The Dennis family would like to extend a special thanks to the Signature Healthcare staff and offer sincere appreciation and gratitude to the owner, administrators, and staff of Newburgh Healthcare, as well as his primary physician, and the St. Mary’s ICU physicians and staff. Supporting care was given by the church and faith community, Vivian Gibson, who provided spiritual, moral and physical support, and Constance Smith (granddaughter) for her collaboration with the hospital administration.

Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, July 18, 2014 at Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 465 S. Elliot St., pastored by Rev. Richard Pollard, with entombment in Park Lawn Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Elder John D. Dennis, III. Friends may visitThursday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, 1511 N. Royal Ave.

Condolences may be made onlin at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.