OBITUARIES

Mr. Benjamin Shaw Dendy of Chattanooga, 21, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023. Benjamin was born in Lafayette, GA to William and Heather Dendy and spent a happy childhood there surrounded by family. In 6th grade, Benjamin started at Mccallie School. While at Mccallie, Benjamin made everyone his friend with his giant heart and contagious smile. He never met a stranger and wouldn’t hesitate to offer a helping hand. Benjamin was elected to the SPIRITUALS by his peers and teachers and loved to cheer on Big Blue every Friday night.

In January 2019, Benjamin received a liver transplant after 17 years on a waitlist. His courage, grit, and determination in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew him. He loved his friends and family fiercely and cared deeply for the ones he held close. In his 21 years, Benjamin taught many lessons of compassion and what it means to be a true friend. In his free time, Benjamin loved to spend time with his buddies and bring along his dog, Bam. He was an avid Atlanta Falcons fan and was a living embodiment of ‘Rise Up.’ Benjamin’s legacy will be one of kindness, perseverance, and a reminder to keep your heart open to everyone.

Benjamin is survived by his mother, Heather Dendy, sister, Maddison Dendy, brother, Ethan Dendy, and grandmother, Kay Dendy. He is preceded in death by his father, Will Dendy, grandfather, Jimmy Dendy, and grandmother, Becky Rosenberg.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Children’s Organ Transplant Association in Benjamin’s name.

A service will be held at Mccallie School on Saturday, January 28, at 4:00 PM in the chapel.

SMILE BECAUSE HE LIVED

You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he is gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn back, or you can do what he would want: Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

— Author Unknown