Arthur Morton Denton

Arthur Morton 'Pappy'? Denton, 92, of Johnson City, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2009 in the Johnson City Medical Center.He was a native of Clinchburg, VA and a son of the late, Frank Nathan and Millie Denton. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Bonnie Lee Denton. Mr. Denton was retired from the United Telephone Company as an installer and repairman with 35 years of service.He had served his country during WWII in the U. S. Army having earned the Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Medal and the African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon. Mr. Denton enlisted in the army in 1940. He was a staff sergeant during WW II controlled and supervised 2 heavy machine guns during combat in Italy, France and Germany. He was a POW in Germany and Honorably discharged in 1945.Mr Denton was a member of the East Unaka Avenue Christian Church.Survivors include: four children, Jan Gentry and spouse, Jim of Johnson City, Jill Sturgill and spouse, Bryan of Knoxville, Kim Denton and spouse Mellanie of Johnson City and Tammi Combs of Knoxville; eight grandchildren, Jimmy Gentry of Johnson City, Bryan Sturgill, II and spouse, Cindy of California, Andrew Sturgill and spouse, Katie of Knoxville, Sara Woodland and spouse Keith of Knoxville, Erika Campbell and spouse, Will of Johnson City, Nathan Denton of Johnson City, Adam Combs of Knoxville and Danielle Orren and spouse, TJ of Erwin; six great grandchildren, Ambrose Sturgill of California, Parker Sturgill and Sophie Sturgill both of Knoxville, Hannah Orren, of Erwin, Kayle Woodland of Knoxville and Ava Campbell of Johnson City; three brothers and one sister, Lacy Denton and Dean Denton of Bristol, TN and Frances Gimble and Harvey Denton of Tazewell, VA Funeral services will be conducted from the Morris-Baker South Chapel on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 7:00 pm. Mr. Wayne Emory will officiate. Burial services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Thursday from the Mt. Home National Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Brian Sturgill, II, Andrew Sturgill, Keith Woodland, Jim Gentry, Will Campbell, Nathan Denton and Adam Combs. Family and Friends will meet at the funeral home by 12:30 pm on Thursday and proceed to the cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 until 7:00 pm on Wednesday.