Dennard E. Wimberly

Dennard E. Wimberly, 66, of Macon, Georgia, passed away on May 9th, 2023.  A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 1:00 PM, at Sardis-Heard Funeral Home.  

“Denny” was known to his family as a “outgoing man, friend to all and cool dude”.  He had a contagious laugh, that still to this day, can be heard in the hearts and minds of people that loved him so much.  Anyone who knew him well would say, “If I could just hear his jokes one more time.” He even nicknamed his grandson Austin Kyle, "AWFUL" Kyle at birth! The nieces and nephews lovingly refer to Denny as Uncle Den-y or Uncle D. Denny was extremely good with kids! His children, nieces and nephews will always love and cherish the quality time he spent with them, fishing, bowling, skating, honing their baseball/softball skills, joking around, or telling one heck of a story or two. 

Denny was also known as a man who loved his cars.  His fascination began when he was young. He once owned his own car lot called Denny's Auto Sales. He financed cars for low-income folks to try and help them. Cars were a family affair and he loved being in business with his favorite Uncle Bobby Lee Barfield. He was infatuated with "Big Rigs” too. He pursued and obtained his CDL. Some of his most joyful moments were over the road. He loved that life.  He also, earlier in life, worked with local car dealers, helping them find the best car at the best price.  He worked with Dorsey Cleghorn, a lifelong friend of the family, as a carpenter. They traveled far and he drove home for them...way too fast! He built many projects still standing today at the family home. 

Another love of Denny’s was softball. Tack Mote, who missed an opportunity to play baseball professionally, coached him from a very young age. Tack was a complete stranger who took the time to show interest in a boy practicing by himself after school. Denny took Tack home to meet his Mother; not knowing they would later marry. Denny played ball when he was young, playing at church tournaments and other local softball events.  This love would last all his life.  He was still playing at 60 years old in his last tournament with Kristy where he batted 1000; he would never let anything stop him.

Last but not least, anyone who knew him knew he could play a mean game of pool. He was said to have “made the balls dance” and even beat Rocky Creek. He could play a game and before his opponent knew what hit him, Denny was hitting the “8” ball in the corner pocket. He'd run the whole rack! Some say he was the best middle Georgia has ever seen. People came from all over Georgia to play him. 

Denny was also a man of deep faith. He made time to tell others all about Jesus regularly. He knew there was something greater than he had ever seen or experienced on this side of Heaven. He had such a strong faith in His Lord that he knew one day he would be perfected and see things as no human eye has ever seen despite being unable to see the last 2 1/2 years.  He knew he would be embraced again by his loved ones that had gone on before him.

He is survived by his stepfather and hero, William "Tack" Mote; his daughters, Kristy and Ashley Wimberly; his grandchildren, Austin Kyle Jump and his fiancé Chelsey Watkins, Lexy Chambers; his great grandchildren, Cashton Powers and Kolton Jump; his lifelong friend George Grimsley; Godson, Alon Grimsley; the best neighbors, Steve and Andy; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, uncles, cousins and other long-term friends.  

He has joined those who have waited on him with open arms.  They are his father, Dennard Early Wimberly Sr., his mother, Juanita B. Mote; his sister, Cynthia Wimberly, his granddaughter, Katelynn E. Sheppard; his Goddaughter, Mickie Grimsley; and both his maternal and paternal grandparents, Bernice Carswell Barfield and Dorothy Mae Jenkins Barfield and the Wimberly's. 

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