Dr. Harold Nathan Dennis, 82, a longtime resident of Atlanta and a recent resident of Lawrenceville, Georgia, died and went to be with the Lord following an extended illness on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012.

During this last week he was lovingly surrounded by family and friends who adored him.

Harold was born Aug. 25, 1929, in Franklin, Georgia, Heard County. His parents were Fannie Maude Cooper Dennis and Henry Grady Dennis. After graduating from Berry College in 1950, Harold began a career in education as a high school English teacher and athletics coach. From 1951-53 he served as an enlisted infantryman in the U.S. Army. Following his army discharge, he attended graduate school at the University of Georgia and received his master's degree in 1954. In 1957 he was awarded a W.K. Kellogg Fellowship for 24 months at the University of Georgia to pursue his doctorate, which he received in 1959. He then served in various leadership positions in Georgia education.

At the time of his retirement in 1983, he was director of instruction -- Associate Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools. After his retirement from public school work, Dr. Dennis served as Academic Vice President of Truett McConnell College.

Harold was active in professional and religious organizations. He was a charter member of Briarcliff Baptist Church in Atlanta. There he served as a deacon and taught Sunday school for more than 48 years. Recently he and Emma moved to Lawrenceville to live with their daughter Dawne and her family. His new home church became Lawrenceville First Baptist Church. They opened their arms graciously to him and he enjoyed many special moments with his new Sunday school class. He loved the preaching, music and worship services alike.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Emma Brooks Dennis; his daughter and son-in-law, Dawne Rose and David Wells; his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Glen and Lisa Dennis; and by three beautiful grandchildren, Darci Rose Wells and Russell and Ashley Dennis. He is also survived by sisters, Nettie Dennis Vismor, Edna Dennis Tyre, Jackie Dennis Richardson, and by his brother, Richard Dennis.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, we will celebrate the wonderful life of Harold Dennis. Final arrangements are being handled by Tom M. Wages Funeral Services, Lawrenceville, Ga. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at Tom M. Wages Funeral Home - Lawrenceville Chapel, 120 Scenic Highway. Celebration service will follow 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church Lawrenceville, 165 South Clayton St., Lawrenceville. After the service, all family and friends are then invited to join his family for lunch in the church fellowship hall.

Interment will be held privately for the family later in the afternoon. For further information call 770-963-2411. Dr. Dennis believed that children are our future. And those wanting to give in his honor may do so by contacting Lawrenceville First Baptist Church, 770-963-5121, regarding a designated gift to their youth department.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com .

Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, "A Family Company," Lawrenceville Chapel, 120 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-963-2411