PENSACOLA, Fla.
Billy Vernon Dennis, 82, passed away Sept. 6 at his home in Pensacola, Fla.

Born in Arkansas on July 3, 1927, Dennis graduated from Hendrix College in Conway and Duke University Divinity School in Durham, N.C.

He also did graduate work in Boston.

He was a Methodist preacher in Arkansas from 1945 to 1966 when he joined the U.S. Navy. As a U.S. Navy Chaplain, he served in Vietnam and later Okinawa, Japan. He returned to Arkansas in 1988 and retired in Elaine in 1994. Then moved to reside in Pensacola to be close to his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Tommy Dennis and the former Agnes White.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Esther; sons Tech Sgt. David W. Dennis; Storekeeper 2nd Class James V. Dennis and his wife, Merri; and John Wesley Dennis and his wife, Tracy, all of Pensacola.

He is survived by adopted family members, Petty Officer 2nd Class Bob Thompson and his wife, Marlene, and Petty Officer 3rd Class John Niemeyer of Pensacola.

He is also survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Sept. 14 at Warrington United Methodist Church in Pensacola. Burial followed at Barrancas National Cemetery.