“Does my life make a difference?”
That’s the question.
Whether we admit it, whether we even realize it, that’s really the most fundamental, most important question we ask ourselves.
It’s the reason we watch It’s a Wonderful Life every Christmas.
Or if we don’t, we should.
What comfort is received from that silver screen’s roll-out of George Bailey’s impact on his hometown of Bedford Falls.
Similarly, there’s a celebration of life rolling out this weekend in Soperton, Georgia, of a modern day George Bailey.
Mr. Richard Dennard passed away peacefully last week at 81, and the profound reverberations of his influence on the people of Treutlen County can be felt all the way to my home in Fort Worth, Texas.
I first visited Soperton six years ago with my dear friend Krista for her mom’s funeral. Rather – for her mom’s Celebration of Life. From the sanctuary-turned-floral jungle to the Dennard Pond-house reception, it was most definitely a celebration of LIFE. Table after table filled with homemade strawberry cakes, pound cakes, steaming casseroles and southern sides, the love baked into those dishes served as an expression of love for the Dennard family. And each dish bore it’s owners name – “Mrs. Denise’s cinnamon rolls,” “Mrs. Brenda’s pound cake,” and so on.
After spending some time at Dennard Drugs, visiting with family and friends of all ages, feeling the impact of the Dennard family in this community, I told Krista, “Your dad is George Bailey. The Dennard family has grounded this place, influenced every person who calls this town and the surrounding Treutlen County home.”
A newly minted pharmacist, Mr. Dennard bought one of the town’s two drug stores in 1971 and moved his young family to Soperton a year later. They bought a piece of land and built their forever home – a stately golden stucco surrounded by tall Georgia pines, along with a pond with a pond house, which has basically served as a community gathering spot throughout the years.
. 
Half a century later, Dennards Drugs serves as so much more than a Drug Store. Those walls hold a True Value Hardware, a floral department WITH florists, a darling (even trendy) gift shop with a wedding registry, and much more.
But the hallmark of Dennard Drugs is the service. I spent last weekend back in Soperton with Krista and the Dennards, such a gift to join the intimate gathering during Mr. Dennard’s last few days this side of Heaven. As word got out that Mr. Dennard’s health was on a decline, the Dennard home filled with stories.
Well, stories and food.
Family and friends filled that living room and kitchen – they all came and went with a familiarity of knowing the place. None were strangers to the golden stucco home. Some walked back quietly to Mr. Dennard’s room, their cheeks showing evidence of both laughter and tears.
Some dropped by quickly, bringing food with a quick hug, but most everyone shared a few moments on the sofa, affirming their respect and admiration for Mr. Dennard.
The pastor, the banker, the teacher, the little league player – almost all of whom had at some point been employed at Dennard’s Drugs.
To them, Mr. Dennard’s life made a difference.
In fact, over the years, SEVENTEEN individuals have worked for the Dennard Drugs and gone on to pharmacy school.
To them, Mr. Dennard’s life made a difference.
In addition to the people, an influx of Facebook posts and letters and texts shared story after story of Mr. Dennard helping neighbors with sick children who couldn’t afford the medicines; meeting people late at night, after hours, basically operating like the town physician and and offering both a hand and dignity; giving someone’s child an opportunity for a job, even if they didn’t really deserve it.
To them, Mr. Dennard’s life made a difference.
I will miss Mr. Dennard’s large, toothy grin that showed only when he laughed. I will miss his fishing stories. I will miss his need to eat at Fort Worth’s newest and best restaurants when he’s in town. And I will miss his pickled okra.
It’s a Wonderful Life concludes with George Bailey in his living room, surrounded by family, friends and the entire community of Bedford Falls paying their respects to his impact on their lives.
Six years ago for Joyce, and now this past week for Richard, all one has to do is sit in the Dennard’s living room, observing the Soperton and Treutlen County parade to feel this family’s deep influence on their community.
To me, his life made a difference.
