Dennis Wilson Fondren, age 93, of Sheffield, Ala., died Tuesday, March 22, 2016.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 24, from 5:00 to 7:00 at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia. The funeral will be Friday, March 25, at 2:00 at First Baptist Church Tuscumbia with burial in Colbert Memorial Gardens. Brother Barrett Long and Brother Chuck Bradford will be officiating.
Dennis was born in Marion, Alabama, on September 8, 1922, to Charles Emmit and Martha Jane Holifield Fondren. He was a barber in Tuscumbia for 54 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Tuscumbia where he accepted the Lord and was baptized on May 10, 1959. While at First Baptist he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, R.A. leader and Wednesday night cook. He served as a member of Sheffield Masonic Lodge #503 for over 50 years. A wonderful cook, he was known for his delicious peach ice cream, BBQ chicken, baked ham, grilled hamburgers and homemade pancakes. He loved to cook for his family and they always looked forward to his meals and just being with him.
Dennis served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army, serving as squad leader with company “C” of the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment during WWII and fought in the European Theatre, including the Battle of the Bulge and Operation Market Garden. His medals and citations included the World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead, Belgium Fourragere, Netherlands Distinguished Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge and Glider Badge. When he came home from the war he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Adelia Snider, on January 25, 1947. They moved to Sheffield and were blessed with 69 years together.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Elliott, C.E., Leon and Robert; sister, Maude Perdue; and beloved grandson, Tyler Russell.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Mary; daughters, Karen Stillwell (Benjie), Linda Frederick (Mike), Ann Winborne and Christi Staggs; grandchildren, Ashley Davis Hansana (Olay), Meagan Davis, Colt Stillwell, Chuck Bradford (Tiffany), Steven Frederick (Ashley), Brad Winborne and Katie Russell; six great – grandchildren; special brother – in – law, and friend, Marshall Snider; as well as a host of other loving extended family members.
The family would like to give special thanks to Amedisys Hospice and their loving and compassionate nurse, Kristen; aides, Tish and Amber; social worker, Ashley. Special love and thanks to his wonderful caregivers, Reba, Tish, Crystal V., Crystal F. and Katie.
Pallbearers will be Steven Frederick, Mike Frederick, Brad Winborne, Olay Hansana, Kim Barber and Jerry Reid.
