Harry L. Denson's Obituary
Harry Lowell Denson was born March 5, 1937 the first child of Mary Hazel Irving and Modica Denson in the Turner Town Community of Brookside Alabama. He attended Hoover city High school where he graduated as class salutatorian. While attending Tuskegee Institute he majored in electrical engineering in the R.O.T.C., graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1961. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Lieutenant Denson's first assignment was in the Radar Early Warning system in the 25th air division at Adair air force base in Corvallis Oregon. Later he served as a test engineer in the military liason to the TRW Company in its efforts on the Atlas Agena rocket. After a second promotion Captain Denson finished his military career as an engineering specialist in the 339th satellite support squadron stationed at Moffit Naval Air Station in Sunnyvale California. Here he served in the Vela-hotel satellite test ban compliance program.. After retiring from the United States Air Force in 1973 he was accepted to the UCSF Dental School. . After matriculating through dental school he was awarded a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (D.D.S.) on June 5 1977. Afterwards he began his second career as a dentist with the San Francisco Department of Public Health where he worked for 30 years. During his career with the Department of Public Health he served the members of the Potrero Hill and Bayview-Hunters Point communities. In addition to his work at the DPH Dr. Denson also maintained a private practice and served on the California State Board of Dental Examiners.Harry was an avid sports fan and enthusiast. He had great appreciation for the sports of baseball, basketball and football. He also was a keen golfer at on time achieving a seven handicap while in his 60's.He also was an audiophile with a particular fondness for Blues guitar that he acquired attending Alabama juke joints in his youth… His fondness for sports was exceeded only by his devotion to his family friends and colleagues.Harry is preceded in death by his wife, Mattie L. Denson and his daughter, Joyce Marie Denson-Nelson. He is survived by his children Brenda Mouton, Cheryl Denson-Thornton, Harry L. Denson Jr. and Alan Denson. As well as his Sons-in law Brent Nelson and Melvin Thornton. Grandchildren; Jenelle Mouton, Michael Mouton Jr., Joshua Lino, Yannick Lino, Camyrn Lino, and Kaneem Thornton. And Great-Grandchildren; Tyler Davis, Taylor Davis, and Addison Mouton. In addition to this numerous cousins and nieces and nephews. Harry also leaves behind many, many friends.
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