Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com "Absent from the body and present with the Lord." - II Corinthians 5:8 We know that Johnny is in the arms of Jesus. Johnny Denney was the embodiment of steadiness, loyalty, and quiet strength. A humble and kind-hearted man, Johnny lived a life defined by hard work, love for family, and a deep sense of integrity. If Johnny said he would do something, you could count on it-"by golly" it was done. He believed in doing things the right way, giving his best every day, and always showing up for the people he loved. Born in Ball Ground, Georgia, on March 6, 1941, to Henry Grady Denney and Claudine Jordan, Johnny was shaped by his roots in the red clay and strong values of North Georgia. He was later lovingly raised by his stepmother, Jane Denney, and surrounded by a large and devoted family. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Benny Hitt, Dorothy Ridings, and beloved infant son, Gregory Steve Denney. He is survived by his siblings, Marvin Hitt, Diane Roper (Randall), Sharon Mulkey, Junior Brown, Steve Denney (Willene), Juanita Cook (Ramon), and Richard Denney (Robin), as well as many nieces and nephews who brought him great joy. Johnny was an exceptional student at Cherokee High School, earning straight As before continuing his education at North Georgia College and State University, where he earned his associate degree. His early career took him to places like Lockheed, Mead Printing Company, Kennestone Hospital, and Georgia Marble, but it was at Pickens Vocational Technical Institute-later Appalachian Technical College, now part of Chattahoochee Technical College-where Johnny truly found his calling. As a drafting instructor, he dedicated over 30 years to educating and inspiring students across the North Georgia region. He took immense pride in helping young people find purpose through skilled trades, and his legacy in workforce development still echoes in classrooms and communities today. Johnny was also an avid tennis player, a lover of long walks with his dogs, and cherished his weekly strolls with close friend, Andy Padgett. Retirement never slowed him down. He and his beloved wife, Patricia (Pat) Denney, retired to Jasper, GA, where they were active in the Pickens Retired Educators and shared a love for woodworking. Their handcrafted Nutcrackers even made the pages of the Pickens Progress. Johnny was a skilled draftsman and craftsman-there wasn't a project he couldn't tackle or a craft he wouldn't try. But more than anything, Johnny loved being "Grandpa Johnny." His family was the center of his world. He was known for his consistent presence and camera in hand-whether at dance recitals, baseball games, musicals, or birthday parties. His grandchildren, William Denney, Rebecca Gracie Denney, Evelyn Chalmers, Matthew Chalmers, Andrew Chalmers, and Violet Peel will never forget his gentle humor, his unconditional support, or his familiar phrase: "Make sure you don't let the ugly light go off," referring to the red flash on his camera. He treasured weekly Burger King visits with Will and never missed a chance to shout a greeting to Gracie and Violet from the school pickup line. Johnny is survived by his loving wife of nearly 33 years, Patricia Denney; his son, Christopher Denney (Amy); stepchildren, Marc Chalmers (Stephanie) and Helen Chalmers; and his cherished grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Gregory Steve Denney-a loss that never left his heart, and we believe with certainty that they are now reunited in the arms of Jesus. A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27th at Roper Funeral Home in Jasper, GA. Family visitation will begin at noon, followed by visitation for friends and family from 1:00-3:00 PM. The service will be held at 3:00 PM, with interment to follow at Cherokee Memorial Park in Canton, GA. Flowers will be accepted, but in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Johnny's honor to the National Kidney Foundation. Johnny Denney will never be forgotten. His legacy of kindness, craftsmanship, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. We love you, Grandpa Johnny. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.