Celebrating the life of
Sidney Walter Denham
April 19, 1930 - July 14, 2011
Savannah-Sidney Walter Denham, 81, died Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Memorial Medical University Center, with his family by his side. He was born on April 19, 1930 to Nelle K. and Samuel W. Denham, in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Presbyterian College and subsequently obtained his master's degree in social work from Vanderbilt University.
He devoted the next 17 years of his life in Chicago, Illinois working in the settlement house with at risk youth. He met and married Elizabeth Liz Akin. They had two daughters, Mary and Kay Denham. Sid and his family moved to Savannah in 1970 and he served as the Deputy Director of the Department of Family and Children Services until his retirement in the 1990's.
He was the first male president of the Girl Scout Council of Savannah. Sid was a true "renaissance man." His keen mind and wonderful sense of humor endeared him to all who knew him. He was an amazing gardener and floral designer. He was a student of humanity with a love of music, art, travel, gourmet cooking, and was a gifted storyteller.
He was happiest painting and teaching his Monday morning watercolor class. His joy de vivre drew people to him and he had the amazing ability to make you feel as if you were the most important person in his life. Everyone mattered to him. He was devoted to his parish family at St. Paul's Episcopal Church as well as his prayer/study group of 20 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, and his wife, Liz.
He is survived by one brother, Dr. Samuel W. Denham and two daughters, Kay and Mary Denham. two grandchildren, Sam and Sydney Acuff, first cousin, Robin Lnenicka Wade, nieces, Camilla Pernice Bill, Leigh Bottomley Larry, Anne Weiss Michael, and nephew, S. Wesley Denham. He also has two grand nieces, Marie and Christine Bottomley.
He gathered people into his presence with grace and love. He had a circle of friends too numerous to list. Special mention should be made of Dale Howe, Michael Wood, Duke Miles, and Jayson Robards.
Nothing made him happier than spending time enjoying nature, the beach, and his 4 legged children.
A Mass of Christian of Burial will be said at 4:00 p.m., Monday, July 18, 2011 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with The Very Reverend William Willoughby, III, Celebrant. The family will greet friends immediately following in the Parish Hall.
Remembrances may be made to: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1802 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31401.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Kay and Mary We were so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. We remember many good years at DFCS with your father and the unique and special way he taught each of us to be the best social workers we could be and always honor the dignity and self worth of all we served. We honor his memory and all that he was and all that he taught and all for which he stood. Debbie Bennett and Mary Burdsal
- Debbie and Mary, Savannah, GA
I was Director of Social Work at Memorial Medical Center from 1978-85. It was in that capacity that I got to know Sid when he was Assistant Director at DFCS. He was a wonderful man, gentle, thoughtful, a real humanitarian. I'm so glad that a friend in Savannah told me about his recent death, so I could pay tribute to his memory via this posting.
- Peter Noonan, Little Rock, AR
Kay - I am just without words to express how sorry I am to hear of your Dad's death. He was always such fun when he came to visit Martin Financial Group, and I can still hear his laughter. He was truly a gentleman, and I know he was loved by all. May God comfort you during this time and be with you and your family. Sid will be missed by all. Pam Vawter
- Pam Vawter, Savannah, GA
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've known Sid for quite some time, and he was indeed the most precious friend I've ever had. His stories were always amazing, and his loyalty & kindness were truly one of a kind. I will miss him deeply. May God be with you and may He Bless Sid and welcome him with open arms.
- Sandy Hobbs, Bloomingdale, GA
Would like for Kay and Mary and the kids to know we have them in our prayers at this time.
- Kelly Moore, Savannah, GA
We are saddened by Sid's death. To you, his family both by blood and choice, hold fast to the memories of a great man who lived and loved with zeal. May the joy in Sid's life strengthen you and bring you peace.
- Butch and Kenny, Savannah, GA
Dear Mary and Kay, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Colleen
- Colleen Rovolis Humphries, Savannah, GA
I will always remember the funny stories of experiences he has had and the time he almost got the American Camellia Society President arrested for trespassing on private property! He was the most colorful person I have ever met! He was one of the founding members and the first president of The Southeastern Camellia Society and loved camellias as much as he did anything else in his life. He and Liz were not only camellia-friends they were there 'family', or at least that's how they made me feel. He will be sadly missed by his Camellia friends he made along the way and our thoughts are with you, Kay, Mary, Sam & Sydney and the rest of your family.
- Debbie & Ben Odom, Savannah, GA
Sid was so nice to me and welcoming when I first moved to Savannah. That meant the world to me. Sid has the biggest heart and I'm honored to have known him.
- Scott Greene, Savannah, GA
To Sid's family and friends, If we are fortunate, the lines blur between family and friends. Such is the case of Sid and the members of St. Paul's Ep. Church. Sid was blessed and he was a blessing. Thankfully, not just to St. Paul's but to our Deanery and Diocese as well. I will always regret missing his flower arrangement workshop. His gift of seeing and making beautiful will be missed. We were all blessed by his presence and some by his gentle but firm guidence Rest in peace and rise in glory!!!! Cheryl+
- Rev. Cheryl Parris, Savannah, GA
Kay and Mary We were so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. We remember many good years at DFCS with your father and the unique and special way he taught each of us to be the best social workers we could be and always honor the dignity and self worth of all we served. We honor his memory and all that he was and all that he taught and all for which he stood. Debbie Bennett and Mary Burdsal
- Debbie and Mary, Savannah, GA
I was Director of Social Work at Memorial Medical Center from 1978-85. It was in that capacity that I got to know Sid when he was Assistant Director at DFCS. He was a wonderful man, gentle, thoughtful, a real humanitarian. I'm so glad that a friend in Savannah told me about his recent death, so I could pay tribute to his memory via this posting.
- Peter Noonan, Little Rock, AR
Kay - I am just without words to express how sorry I am to hear of your Dad's death. He was always such fun when he came to visit Martin Financial Group, and I can still hear his laughter. He was truly a gentleman, and I know he was loved by all. May God comfort you during this time and be with you and your family. Sid will be missed by all. Pam Vawter
- Pam Vawter, Savannah, GA
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've known Sid for quite some time, and he was indeed the most precious friend I've ever had. His stories were always amazing, and his loyalty & kindness were truly one of a kind. I will miss him deeply. May God be with you and may He Bless Sid and welcome him with open arms.
- Sandy Hobbs, Bloomingdale, GA
Would like for Kay and Mary and the kids to know we have them in our prayers at this time.
- Kelly Moore, Savannah, GA
We are saddened by Sid's death. To you, his family both by blood and choice, hold fast to the memories of a great man who lived and loved with zeal. May the joy in Sid's life strengthen you and bring you peace.
- Butch and Kenny, Savannah, GA
Dear Mary and Kay, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Colleen
- Colleen Rovolis Humphries, Savannah, GA
I will always remember the funny stories of experiences he has had and the time he almost got the American Camellia Society President arrested for trespassing on private property! He was the most colorful person I have ever met! He was one of the founding members and the first president of The Southeastern Camellia Society and loved camellias as much as he did anything else in his life. He and Liz were not only camellia-friends they were there 'family', or at least that's how they made me feel. He will be sadly missed by his Camellia friends he made along the way and our thoughts are with you, Kay, Mary, Sam & Sydney and the rest of your family.
- Debbie & Ben Odom, Savannah, GA
Sid was so nice to me and welcoming when I first moved to Savannah. That meant the world to me. Sid has the biggest heart and I'm honored to have known him.
- Scott Greene, Savannah, GA
To Sid's family and friends, If we are fortunate, the lines blur between family and friends. Such is the case of Sid and the members of St. Paul's Ep. Church. Sid was blessed and he was a blessing. Thankfully, not just to St. Paul's but to our Deanery and Diocese as well. I will always regret missing his flower arrangement workshop. His gift of seeing and making beautiful will be missed. We were all blessed by his presence and some by his gentle but firm guidence Rest in peace and rise in glory!!!! Cheryl+
- Rev. Cheryl Parris, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
