John M. Dent, Sr.

John Matthew Dent, Sr. of Columbia, SC passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025, at home with his family by his side.  He was born in Columbia on July 15, 1932.  He was the son of Earl William Dent and Effie Hutson Dent.  He was married to the joy of his life, Betty.  They shared a beautiful lifetime of seventy-two years together.  After her passing in 2023, his thoughts were always with her and looking forward to the day he would join her in heaven.

In his early teens, Johnny became very interested in all types of dancing.  At the age of fourteen, his local youth center asked him to be a dance instructor. He and Betty loved to dance together and their favorite dance was the “Shag”.  His other interests throughout his life were cars, sports, camping with his family and traveling all over the USA with his family and friends; especially with his lovely wife, Betty. He also adored spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and grand dog, Abby. He was a member of the Ridgecrest Baptist Church, where he served as deacon.  Later in life, he moved his membership to the Eau Claire Baptist Church.

In his early years, he worked as a mechanic at Mathis Garage in Columbia. Johnny proudly served his country as Corporal from 1953 to 1955 in the United States Army at Fort Jackson, S. C. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he worked as an iron worker at Owens Steel Company until 1958. He was employed by the S. C. Department of Transportation for 28 years, retiring in 1986.

He is survived by his daughter, Theresa Blatt (Patrick); his sons, John M. Dent, Jr. “Terry” (Janice) and Steve Dent. His memory will be treasured by his three adoring children. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jeremy Davis, Justin Davis (Janet), Chelsea Hein, Ryan Dent, Jessica Yarborough, Corey Dent, Nicole Dent; five great-grandchildren, Sydney, Blakely, Tristan, Bentley and Talon.  He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Betty; four siblings, Romana, William “Bill”, Eugene and Doris along with his parents, Earl William Dent and Effie Hutson Dent.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Eau Claire Baptist Church with burial following at Bush River Memorial Gardens featuring military honors.  The family will receive friends and family one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donation(s) to Eau Claire Baptist Church.

Temples-Halloran Funeral Home proudly assists the Dent family in their time of grief.