Reverend Paul Dennis, 86, of Springdale, passed away Friday, April 9, 2021 in Fayetteville. He was born July 9, 1934 in Hazel Valley, AR to Luther Martin and Josie Nickell Dennis.
He married Patsy West, January 1, 1953 and to this union four children were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patsy; two daughters, Paula and Elaine Dennis; and ten brothers and sisters.
Paul was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served during the Korean War. He served as pastor at Sang Ave. Baptist Church for 26 ½ years. He also served as chaplain for the Washington County Sheriffs Office. In addition, he served as chaplain at the hospital providing comfort and care of those in need. His son-in-law was the first person he baptized in the White River near Durham.
Paul is survived by two children, Gail Pianalto and husband, Virgil and Von Dennis and wife, Laura of Garfield; a sister, Donna Jo Reed of Fayetteville; 5 grandchildren, Michael Pianalto, Katie Binko, Paula Gisler, Kelly Laws and Jon Pianalto; and 9 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at Beard’s Chapel.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at the Nickell Community Church with Pastor Jasper Hankins officiating. Interment will follow in the Nickell Cemetery with military honors.
Our prayers are with Dennis’s family. We met him at the Senior Citizen Meals at Lake View Baptist Church, Cave Springs, AR.
Von and Laura,
Our deepest symphony to you. Your dad has a special place in my heart that I will always cherish. He had such a kind, gentle spirit about him that made it so easy to talk to him. Much love to your family.
Brenda Johnson
Amanda Gabbard Mayes
Adam Gabbard
We have known Paul for many years. When Paul was working for Schmieding in the brokerage department we were in the transportation trucking and delivering loads Paul would have set up for Taylor Bros. Inc. to deliver. Paul was always pleasant to work with. When he went into the ministry we visited the Church he was pastoring on several occasions . Paul was a very good pastor and equipped many members who attended Sang Avenue Baptist Church. We will always remember Paul as a very good Christian and he was a model to teach and disciple his members. Paul will be missed. Bill and Myrtle Taylor
Mr. Dennis was such a kind and gracious man no matter if he was working in the trucking industry or serving as a Minister. (I first met him when I was elementary school age and being raised as I was we were taught to address our elders as ‘Mr. and Mrs.’, so even after almost sixty years it still feels most appropriate to address him as ‘Mr. Dennis.’)
Mr. Dennis and my Dad were both employed by the Schmeiding Brothers trucking brokerage; that is how our families came to know each other. It was the start of an endearing friendship for our two families that endures to this day.
Gail, our deepest condolences, much love, and heartfelt prayers from the Groves family to you and your family in this time of tremendous loss.
Brother Paul Dennis was such a great inspiration while attending Church at N.E. Baptist. Prayers to all his family during this emotional time. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
My condolences to the family. I always consider Bro. Paul a special friend and a great pastor!! He will be missed!!!
We knew Paul most recently through the Farmington Senior Center and enjoyed his friendship and big smile. Our deepest condolences to all his family.
Paul was a great bible teacher. He baptized all of my immediate family and he and Pat were an extension of our big family. I’m sure his smile was beaming when he entered the gates of Heaven.
Love and prayers to all of the family members.
It was our blessing to know Paul Dennis. His love for the Lord was well known and respected by all that knew him. We served with him for years at First Baptist in Elkins. and at Sang Avenue.
Heaven was made sweeter last Friday, when the angels welcomed him home to rest.
Gail, Virgil, Von and Laura, we pray for your comfort in these very sad days ahead.
Deepest sympathy, he was a blessing and provided great comfort in his sermons with hope and light at the end of our time from our toils here on Earth. We know he would not want us to mourn but rejoice. Much comfort to your family and prayers that time will heal.
Johnny, Brandon, Trenton, and Regina Villines
Bob and Sue Keene loved Bro Paul dearly. He taught us more about the Bible than any pastor or teacher in our life. We have missed him so much over the past few years. We know he is diffinantly inGod grace and arms❤️❤️
Paul was always our favorite pastor. He married us twice 25 years apart. His service for the Lord is his tribute. We are sure he is reaping his rewards in heaven today. Until we meet again.
Oh, how the Lord used Brother Paul for His service! I have special memories of hearing his preaching and teaching at Northeast Baptist. I will never forget his frequent reference to a portion of 2 Corinthians 6:2, as he would preach, “Today is the day of salvation! You may not have tomorrow.” May the Lord bring comfort and peace to Brother Paul’s dear family and loved ones, and may they each draw near to the Savior.
Paul was a great Bible teacher and led me to the Lord thirty-five years ago. I learned more from him in the years following my salvation. His preaching was cutting, true, but he also could use his gift of humor. When I heard of his passing my first thought was of what a great reunion he would have with his beloved Pat and other family that went before him. Most of all though I’m thinking how great it will be for him to see the one who died for him–the one he has loved all these years.