Denny Ray Wilson, 33, of Dalton, Georgia, passed away tragically on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in a motorcycle accident.
Born in Dalton on October 5, 1991, Denny was a 2010 graduate of Southeast High School and later earned a degree in Business Management from Dalton State College. He served as the manager of Superior Propane in Calhoun, Ga., where he was known for his kind leadership and genuine care for his employees, treating them more like family than staff.
Denny had a generous and loving heart. He had been through tough times, but in recent years, his life was falling beautifully back into place. He found joy in the simple moments—especially those spent surrounded by babies and loved ones. Nothing made him smile more than holding little ones and hearing their laughter.
A self-taught musician with a soul for songwriting, Denny was the heartbeat of his bands, Minutes of May and The Sawed Offs. His music reflected the depth of his spirit—raw, honest, and full of heart. He wrote and recorded numerous songs, pouring himself into every lyric and chord.
Denny was adventurous, a true outdoorsman who loved hunting, riding his Harley-Davidson, and cooking for family and friends. He found peace in order, always starting his day by making his bed and keeping things just right.
He adored his mother, Phyllis, with whom he shared a deep and special bond. Her strength and love shaped the kind man he became.
He was preceded in death by his fathers, Kenneth Ray Wilson and Richard “Dick” Pfuntner; grandparents, Ray and Wanda Wilson, John and Juanita Coffey; and a beloved aunt, Connie Kendrick.
Denny is survived by his pride and joy, his 12-year-old son, Braxton Ray Wilson, and Braxton’s mother, Ariel Wilson; his loving mother and her companion, Phyllis Pfuntner and Ray Killion; sisters, Tera Beason, and Caroline (Justin) Patty; brothers, Adam Wilson and Jamie Pfuntner; his deeply cherished friend, Becky Hildenstab, and her baby daughter, Lilly Hildenstab; special friend and roommate, Jersey Logan, and her baby daughter, Josey Logan. He is also survived by his uncle, Duane Kendrick; nieces and nephews, Jordan Ivey, John and Emily Beason, Amber Beason, Brycen Moore, Lily Patty, and Emma Patty; great-niece, Adelynn Ivey; his beloved German Shepherd, Buddy; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss his big laugh and even bigger heart.
A celebration of Denny’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 22, at 4 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Pastor Gordon Delashmitt and Pastor Donald Shipman officiating. He will be laid to rest at Mineral Springs Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be John Beason, Minner Johnson, Jon Paul Porter, Justin Patty, Brian Wright, and Jordan Ivey. Honorary pallbearers will be his fellow band members.
The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour.
Arrangements are by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 137 Melrose Dr., Dalton, Ga. 30721, 706 226-4002.