Mr. Dorsey Frederck Dent

From his birthplace of Ideal, Ga., Fred Dent’s family moved to Cordele, Ga., where he grew up and then graduated from Crisp County High School. From there, he attended Georgia Southern University graduating with honors while majoring in math. While attending GSU, he served as president of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Pi Fraternity, a fraternity for college sophomores who had maintained a B+ or better grade point average their freshman year of college. After graduation, Mr. Dent moved to Sylvester, Ga., where he taught math at Worth County High School for four years. During the last two years, he was the vice-principal. His love of playing baseball led him to coach the high school’s b-team baseball team. In addition, he coached the b-team basketball team and sponsored the school’s yearbook. To further support Worth County’s athletic programs, Mr. Dent chaired the Boosters’ Club for six years. Another youth organization near and dear to Mr. Dent was the Boy Scouts. Mr. Dent served on the Chehaw Council Board of Directors for many years. He was the Council Camping Chairman for seven years and won the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. While serving as the District Chairman of the Boy Scouts, he was also awarded the District Award of Merit. The year 1970 was a pivotal point in his career. Mr. Dent entered the truck equipment business as part of the Park Built Body company’s team. Advancing from salesman to vice-president to president put into motion his desire to open Transport Equipment Company in 1981 with M.C. Powell. This company grew into a successful business with Fred Dent as its president for 37 years. Mr. Dent’s love of Worth County fostered a deep commitment to public service so in 1991, he served his first term as a county commissioner. During his term as commissioner, Worth County was able to build a new building for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. Worth County was also able to build a community center, a new sports field, the inert landfill, and remodel the third floor of the courthouse for much needed office space. Also, during his tenure, Worth County established the 911 Call Center. Having the foresight to purchase a building vacated by the U.S. Postal Service, Worth County later remodeled this building and it is now the home of the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Authority. After a hiatus from the Board of Commissioners, he felt the pull to return. As Mr. Dent began serving as Chairman in 2017, he immediately began focusing on the County’s financial situation. Within a few years, Worth County was able to build a new Georgia State Patrol Post, start its own Emergency Medical Service, and begin the construction of a much-needed new jail. Also, while Mr. Dent served as chairman, the Worth County Commissioners pushed for a Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant and a legislative allocation to build a new recreational complex located on a road now known as Fred Dent Drive. In 2024, the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) honored Chairman Fred Dent with the Emory Greene Leadership Award, the highest honor bestowed to the commissioner of the year by ACCG for his leadership, dedication, and selfless service. His public service did not stop there. Mr. Dent served on the Tri-County EDA Board, the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, the Regional Mental Health and Substance Abuse Board, and the Lower Flint/Chattahoochee Water Council. Mr. Dent was a long-time member of the Sylvester-Worth Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Sylvester Kiwanis Club where he served as president for two years. Mr. Dent found his church family at First Baptist Church of Sylvester where he was a faithful member for 58 years. During that time, he was a Training Union teacher, Sunday School teacher, and served as director of RA’s for 12 years. He also shared his business skills as chairman of the Finance Committee and chairman of the Personnel Committee. Fred was the son of the late Mack Frederick Dent and Mamie Lucy Parks Dent. He is survived by his wife, Faye Booth McDonald Dent of Sylvester, Ga.; his children, Dr. Michael Dent (Carrie, Sylvester, Ga.), Andy Dent (Brandy, Waycross, Ga.), Becky Dent Robinson (Brannon, Cumming, Ga.), stepson Michael Fowler (Lisa, Knoxville, Tenn.) and “adopted” son, David Dent (Tonya - Americus, Ga.); eight grandchildren—Spencer, Jack, Drew, Lilly, Gabby, Aiden, Elliot, and Hayes; two step-grandchildren, Justin and Kristen; four great-grandchildren—Alex, James, Kinley, and Kimber; and one step-greatgrandchild, Riley. He was preceded in death by his brother, Johnny, and sister, Carolyn. The family will host visitation at Banks Funeral Home in Sylvester, Ga., on Saturday evening from 4:00-6:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Sylvester with a graveside ceremony to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Sylvester. The Rev. Donnie Duncan and Dr. Jason Jones will officiate. Pallbearers will be Spencer Dent, Jack Dent, Drew Dent, Justin Fowler, Sam Cover, and Chase Cowart. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Sylvester 207 N Isabella St, Sylvester, GA 31791 or Willson Hospice House, 320 Foundation Lane, Albany GA 31707. Banks Funeral Home of Sylvester is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Dorsey Frederck Dent

August 28, 1944 - April 23, 2026