Lee Henry Dent

"Imagine stepping onto a shore and finding it's Heaven. Imagine taking hold of a hand and finding it's God's hand. Imagine breathing new air and finding it's celestial. Imagine feeling invigorated and finding it’s immortality. Imagine passing from storms and tempest to an unknown calm. Imagine waking up and finding it's home.“ Deacon Lee Henry Dent, 89, a resident of Austin, Texas loosed his earthly bonds and woke up in Glory and at HOME!

Deacon Dent was the oldest child in a family of nine children born to William and Thelma Dent in Jackson, Mississippi. He attended and graduated from Jim Hill High School, a secondary institution for African Americans in the Jackson, Mississippi area. As a teenager, he began working in a Greek restaurant to help support his family, however this trade gave birth to his lifelong cooking career. During his Air Force Career, Lee journeyed around the world, where he continued to practice his love and passion for cooking. He served his country faithfully and loyally for 26 years, including two years of service in Vietnam.

On October 30, 1963, Deacon Dent married the love of his life, Vivian Lemon King. Woven and blended into this beautiful union were two sons, Belvis and Billy King. The family was complete when blessed by one child, Michael. This love story endured for 60 years.

Retiring in 1980 with the rank of MSgt (Master Sergeant) after 26 years, Deacon Dent and family relocated to Austin, TX where he continued his culinary skills. He earned an Associate Degree from Austin Community College for Restaurant Management and worked as a Food Service Supervisor at the University of Texas Austin where he retired after 23 years.

Deacon Dent accepted Christ at an early age and after relocating to Austin. He and his family united with St. James Missionary Baptist Church and was a member for 43 years. He served as Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Baptist Training Union (BTU) Group Leader for the Marriage Couples Class. He taught in the St. James Community Institute for Biblical Studies as the Deacon Class Instructor. His Christian work included Prison Ministries. He was a member of E.M. Franklin Male Chorus, Brotherhood, and President of the B.W. McClendon Senior Saints Chorus. He taught in the Church School Deacon Class on Sunday Mornings for over 40 years until his health failed.

Deacon Dent was preceded in death by his parents William and Thelma Dent, one son, Michael Dent, four sisters: Edna Ruth Dixon, Erma Teen, Delores, and Thelma May Dent, three brothers: Dewitt, James, and William Dent, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories, a loving wife of 60 years, Vivian Lemon Dent, two sons, Billy and Belvis Dent of Austin, Texas, two grandsons, Michael and Matthew Dent, Austin, Texas, one granddaughter, Kiara King, Dallas, Texas, one brother, Andre(Melody) of Jackson, Mississippi, sister in-law, Patsy King, Angleton, Texas, three great grandchildren: Bradley, Carbrey, and Michael Dent III, Austin, Texas.

Nieces, Shelia(Frank) Mays, Jackson, Mississippi, Berlene(James)Powell, Washington, DC, nephews: Boris(Jackie) Dixon, Jackson, MS, Larry(Jewel) Dixon, Louisville, Mississippi. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishsouth.com for the Dent family.