David Laverne Denison

David Laverne Denison, 83, affectionately known as “Goat, Pa or Papa David,” passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at home.

A resident of Wayne County for most of his life, David was born on October 16, 1942 in Wayne County to the late, Patrick Laverne Denison and Gladys Edmondson Denison.  He graduated from Screven High School in 1960 and served his country in the National Guard from 1961-1969.  David worked for a few years at Georgia Pacific Pulp and Paper in Brunswick when he was younger before beginning a career as a car inspector for CSX Railroad where he worked loyally until his retirement in 2002.  He enjoyed the simple things in life - porch sitting, his animals (especially the baby chicks and goats), taking his dog Lady along for outings, and taking buggy rides around the neighborhood to check on everyone.  David loved being on the tractor and working in his garden.  He was a skilled craftsman and loved woodworking, and the opportunity to work on special projects for other people.

David was a man of his word.  When he said something, he meant it.  As a longtime member of Ritch Missionary Baptist Church, he lived his faith by being generous, loving, and kind to his family, friends, and neighbors.  David was always willing to lend a helping hand anytime, to anyone in need.  He gave great advice, but only when you asked, or when he just knew you really needed it.

In his spare time he enjoyed reading and watching westerns, and you never saw him without his trademark chewing tobacco. He also loved watching the Bulldogs, Falcons, and Braves play.  David hated snakes, but loved fishing, camping, and trips to Brunswick for seafood.  He also loved cornbread and milk, hot peppers, and sweet pickles. His pimento cheese was second to none, and a family favorite. 

More than anything, David enjoyed spending time with people he cared about.  He loved big, and in return he was loved the same way.

In addition to his parents, his brother, Jimmy Denison, sister, Carolyn Barton and two nephews, Jason Roberson and Hoss Pittman, all preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of forty-six years, Faye Daniels Denison of Screven; four children, Amy Tuten and husband, Richie of Colonel’s Island, Janet Sass and husband, Brian of Fortson, Georgia, Leslie Burch and wife, Beverly of Baxley and Pamela Dyer of Jacksonville, Florida; three sisters, Betty Cunningham and husband, George of Savannah, Pearl Harden of Screven and Marilyn Wise of Screven; grandchildren, Heather Burch, Frankie Ruiz and wife, Mindy, Ashley Stieve and husband, Max, Mia Spry and husband, Noah, Haley Faye Dyer and Kendra Hilton and great grandchildren, Abigail Bailey, Beckham Ruiz, Jaxson and Addy Kate Ellis, Camden, Charlee May and Johnnie Ruth Cravey, Baylor Stieve, Keller Spry and Kinsley Wheeler.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive.

Graveside funeral services will be at 11:00 Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Ritch Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Matt Denison officiating.

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