Al J. Denny

Al J. Denny passed away on Friday, October 24th, 2020 in Tarboro, NC where he was surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Edgecombe County in 1929 to Turner and Alice Waters Denny. He was the second of four children. Al was his father’s son and learned everything he could from him by working long hours in the tobacco fields. As he got older, he “got tired of being behind a mule and plow every day” and joined the Army. Al served honorably in the Korean War. He was in the Army Core of Engineers attached to the Airforce and laid landing strips for them. He helped lay the first asphalt air strip in Busan during the Korean War. After the war, Al came home to Edgecombe County and started working for a short time under the G.I. Bill at the Edgecombe Motor Company. Soon after, he started working for the Long’s Manufacturing Company. Al would remain a working machinist with Longs for 44 years, until his retirement in 1991. While working at Longs, he started courting his soon-to-be wife, Marcelene Deal. Al and Marcelene spent 66 wonderful loving years together. Along their journey, they welcomed a beautiful daughter, Marcy Jo, who gave them two sets of twin grandsons, Reid and Ryan and Matthew and Kenneth. Al lived a life of hard work and joy, and according to his loving wife Marcelene, he could turn any bad situation into a joke and a smile.

Al, a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, is survived by his wife, Marcelene Denny, whom he lovingly called, “Kiddo.” His daughter, Marcy Denny Beaman and Husband, Carlton Reid Jr.; his twin grandsons, Reid Beaman (his wife Kylie) and Ryan Beaman; his sister, Mary Ruth Christenberry; and several loving nieces and nephews. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Turner and Alice Waters Denny; brothers, Turner Denny and Frank Denny; twin grandsons, Matthew and Kenneth Beaman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Kindred Hospice team from Tarboro and the Vidant Edgecombe Hospital staff located in Tarboro. They provided the best care and comfort during his time of need.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, a private funeral with full military honors will be officiated by Pastor Mike Chatt for family and close friends. It will be held at Edgecombe Memorial Park on Monday, October 26th.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation. Checks can be made payable to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation and mailed to 950 North Washington Street, Suite 311, Alexandria, VA 22314.

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