Rev. Joe Denson

Joe Roland Denson, 80, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 17, 2012. Joe is survived by his wife, Edith. He has a son, Joe Denson, Jr, and wife, Anna. His daughter is Debbie Denson Campbell and her husband, John. His grandchildren were his pride - Joanna Denson, Geoffrey Denson and Nathan Campbell. He has one sister, Pat Melchor, and her husband, Charles. He also has a beloved nephew, Stephen. Joe was born on April 18, 1932 in Charlotte, NC, to Charlie and Hazel Denson. He was a graduate of Berryhill High School. He attended Wake Forest College where he studied religion and sociology. After college, he went into the US Army where he advanced to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He and Edith were married on May 28, 1955 in Wake Forest, NC. When he left the Army, he worked several jobs including Biggers Brothers and Exxon. He left Exxon and went into the ministry fulltime where he had been called since the 10th grade. He served as Minister of Education and Deacon at Wilmont Baptist Church. He attended Wilmont Baptist Church his entire life until he was called to minister Southview Baptist Church in 1977 where he served for 35 years. His first Sunday at Southview he had 19 members present and membership grew to a high of 185 during his years there. During his time at Southview, he started a successful daycare that was filled with capacity for 20 years. When he was at Southview, he was loving known at "Preacher Joe" or "Pastor Joe". He served on numerous committees statewide with the Baptist State Convention. His most celebrated award was the Homer G. Lindsey Lifetime of Ministry Award that he received at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida. He was the third receipt ant of the award - first being Jerry Falwell and second being Junior Hill. He appeared on the CBS "Everybody Has A Story" episode of "Accumulating Riches in Heaven" in 2001. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Wounded Warriors, Hospice or the charity of your choice. -

Service Information

Thursday, December 20th, 2012 3:00pm, First Baptist Church Charlotte

Interment Details

Forest Lawn West