Rev. Dennis Richard Smalley

Rev. Dennis Richard Smalley, age 77, of Gainesville Georgia, died on November 22, 2024. Dennis was born on December 3, 1946 in Lansing, Michigan to parents Mary Louise Halpin and Dick Mallard Smalley. Dennis achieved his Master's in Psychology at Barry University and was an ordained Non-denominational Minister for over 38 years. Dennis R. Smalley is survived by his only child, daughter Jamie T. Smalley, and his grandchildren Eva Ann Smith & Tyler Scott Smith. He also adopted the role of "Boppa" (grandpa) to Grant, Reagan, and William Bowers. 

 Dennis R. Smalley volunteered and served in the United States Army. He was part of the 82nd Airborne Division and was assigned to the 101st Screaming Eagles after he arrived in Vietnam (1967-1968). He flew with the Black Widows and worked with Special Operations for most of his tour in Vietnam. Dennis had over 575 flights under enemy fire as a Door Gunner, and came home as a highly decorated soldier and member of the Special Operations Association. He helped many veterans and civil servants learn how to cope with PTSD. Many have said that Mr. Dennis was their hero and that they looked up to him. Dennis led his life as a shining light in the lives of all who were lucky enough to be his friend. He enjoyed living his life consistently helping those in need. Mr. Smalley was a member of many volunteer groups. Being able to bring a smile to someone's face and help them understand how much they matter in this world, is what he lived for. He worked with the Healing Waters Fly Fishing group, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Hospice, Operation Patriot Guard, and was the on-call Minister for the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. His journey on earth was marked by love, compassion, and his unwavering faith in God. He spent time as the Chaplain for the local DAV, and was the most popular Sunday school teacher at Unity church in Palm Beach, FL. Dennis worked for Sandlot Kids Sports Camp as a Pastor and Camp Counselor teaching water safety and survival skills, along with bible study and prayer. He loved being outside and was guilty of adrenaline adventures such as riding his Harley around town and skydiving occasionally, even in his late 70's. He helped his friends with their yard work and was known throughout town as "the man who lived in the rock house with the beautiful garden out front and the American flag flying high."

His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held Saturday January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home. After the celebration of life service there will be a procession to the Paul E. Bolding Post #7 American Legion on Riverside Drive for a time of remembrance and fellowship with family and friends.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

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