William Samuel Dennis

Mr. William (Billy) Samuel Dennis, entered into rest on Friday, August 18, 2017, at his residence in Leesburg, GA. Mr. Dennis was born and raised in Augusta, GA, until he served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Hancock CVA-19 from 1955 to 1958. Billy, as he was known to most, also served on the Augusta Police Department from 1963-1972. After his tenure on the APD he enjoyed over 30 years of long haul trucking. Of all the many things he enjoyed, perhaps nothing brought him more happiness than the “Magic” of Christmas. He began his first role as Santa Claus at J.B. White’s on Broad Street in Augusta in 1965. This began a life-long love of serving others as Santa. He served in this role for nearly 50 years at Christmas in various parts of the country. He has left his family and friends with many precious memories of Christmas’ over the last five decades. Daddy, Billy, brother, Granddaddy, and Santa are some of the names he went by during his life, but “Ho Ho Daddy”was by far the most unique. Mr. Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Martin Steppe, his father, Hugh Wagnell Dennis, his sister, Pearl Conner, his brother, Allen Martin, and by Jacquelyn Dickman, mother of his five daughters. He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Hadden (Gary) of Leesburg, GA, Karen Bedgood (Randy) of Johnston, SC, Karole Putnam (David) of Augusta, GA, Kim White (Andy) of Watkinsville, GA, Kathleen Deaton of Dearing, GA, one son, Mike Kandefer of Augusta, GA, 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life at The Hill Baptist Church, King’s Way, Augusta, GA, on Sunday, August 27, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Ronald H. Jones and Dr. Gary Hadden officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at West View Cemetery following the memorial service. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or flowers may be sent to the home of Rev. Ronald Jones at 2168 Kings Way Augusta, GA 30904. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.josephwjonesfuneralhome.com. Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home of Leesburg been entrusted with these arrangements. Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home Leesburg, GA 229/814-1415