My Story :

Deborah “Deb” Denney Terry was born in Albertville, Alabama, where she lived for most of her life. Deb is fulfilling God’s calling on her life to serve Him in vocational ministry: first, through music ministry as a singer-songwriter and recording artist; second,  through serving in various ministry positions in churches in Alabama and Florida, which she has done for over twenty years. Formerly the Director of Children’s Ministry at Meadowbrook Baptist Church  in Alabama and then at First Baptist Church in Orlando, Deb and her husband, Scott, currently reside in Central Florida, where Deb serves on the staff of Winter Garden’s First Baptist Church as Director of Ministries. She and Scott have two children who are married. After the publishing of this book ,we were blessed with new granddaughter, giving us six amazing grandchildren. Deb enjoys her family, music, reading, and travel.

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.” —George Washington Carver

Dad’s Story :

Ray J. Denney was born October 4, 1932 in Marshall County, Alabama and was the youngest of three children. He was a life long resident of Marshall Country, AL and loved calling Albertville his home.

He joined the Alabama National Guard Dixie Division in 1949 as a 17 year old and served as Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army’s 31st Infantry division. They were mobilized Oct. 31, 1951 to fight in the Korean War. He served his country bravely on the front lines and was honorable discharged Oct. 2, 1952.

In 1952, as a young 20 year old, Ray bought and sold his first car. This was the beginning of his Wholesale Automobile business, Denney Motor Company, for over 40 years in Albertville, AL. 

He married Billie June Hilsman, Sept. 21, 1954, who was the love of his life. They had two children, Steve and Deborah, and four grandchildren who he greatly impacted and invested in their lives as well as several beautiful great-grandchildren.

Ray’s interests included family, church, friends, sports, RVing and music. He was a leader in the church and community. He played completive table tennis and checkers, softball,  golf and church league softball. He was an avid fan of the University of Alabama, especially football and basketball.  Ray loved gospel and country music and played the guitar quite well.

Ray was a beloved and respected husband, father, grandfather and friend! He was a humble and generous man who helped many throughout his life. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2006 and this disease ravaged his brain and body, passing away at age 77 on Nov. 22, 2009 with his family surrounding him.