John Dudley Denton's Obituary
Celebrating the Life of John Dudley Denton
May 19th, 1943 – November 3rd, 2025
We celebrate the beautiful life of John Dudley Denton, who was born on May 19th, 1943 in Somerset, KY, and passed away on November 3rd, 2025 in Nashville, TN. His days were defined by loyalty, humor, generosity, wit, outspoken spirit, and unshakable integrity.
He joined the United States Air Force right out high school and proudly served for 20 years when he retired as Chief Master Sargent. It was his honor to serve in Vietnam and in the White House under President Carter, Reagan and Bush administrations. During his service in the Air Force he was in the OSI White House Communications. He obtained his bachelor’s from Maryland University. He was a member of the Free Masons and Shriners.
After retiring from the Air Force, he thrived in Real Estate and became very successful for 30 years. He loved his beach house and taking family vacations there and sitting by the pool.
As a devoted fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Titans, John followed each season with steady excitement. Breakfast at Batter’s Box was a cherished start to many of his mornings.
Though very successful, John chose a simple path that always put family first. His honest approach to life and work earned deep respect everywhere he went.
John’s spirit and witty humor live on through his daughter Denise Jackson, his son John Michael “Mike” Denton, and grandchildren Brittany (Joe) Chappell, John Michael Denton Jr., Peyton Marie Jackson, and Isabell Marie Denton; great granddaughter, Palmer Elizabeth Brehm; sister, Donna (Jerry) Cloyd; cousin, Mary Vaughn Boss; mother of his children, Jackie Irby; son-in-law, Dorsey Jackson; daughter-in-law, Odette Morales-Jenkins. His father William Denton, mother Flonnie Waddell, and brothers Wm Hampton Denton and Frank E. Denton passed before him, and their memories now join his in family stories.
Today we remember John with the sound of a game on and the comfort of a hearty breakfast, just as he liked. May every smile shared in his name keep his vibrant spirit close and remind us that a life grounded in integrity and joy is a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers, family would like considerations for donations to be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate and Shriners Children https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/
Celebration of life service to be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:00pm from the chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216. Visitation will be held from 12:00pm until time of service. Family encourages visitors to wear blue and white to continue Johns KY Wildcat spirit.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216. 615-865-1101. https://www.springhillfh.com
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