DeWitt Ronald (Bud) Dent, of Augusta, Ga., born May 1, 1937, on Tybee Island, GA, entered the Kingdom June 4, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Julie Wright Dent. He graduated from ARC in 1956, The Citadel in 1960, and received his J.D. from Duke Law School in 1969. He received a commission in the US Army and served from 1960 to 1971. Bud served an extended tour (18 months) in Vietnam from 1967-1968 earning a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
Bud’s passions include: Trinity on the Hill where he taught numerous Bible classes over several decades; Augusta Highlanders Bagpipe Band (founding member); Boy Scouts of America serving as past President of the GA/Carolina Council and Woodbadge Course Director earning during his years of service the Silver Beaver Award and the God and Country Award; past MOWW Commander, Founder and Director of the Youth Leadership Conference; past President and Chairman of the Board of the Golden Harvest Food Bank.
From 1970 through 1974, he was a trial attorney for the US Department of Justice. He was a member of the team that prosecuted Daniel Ellsberg for the Pentagon Papers. He practiced law in Augusta from 1974 – 2011. He was a member of the Georgia, Virginia, and DC bars. He received the Robert Allgood Service Award from the Augusta Bar Association.
Bud is also survived by his daughter, Kathy Hinesley (Hal), his son, Ethan Andrews (Jennifer), grandchildren Christina Watson (Billy Wadley), Rhett Hinesley, and Derrick Webb, Wright, Julia, and Eli Andrews, and great-grandchildren Moses, Lyla, and Matilda, his sister, Dale Wright (Boykin), and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. And Mrs. John Albenze, and his sister, Patti Pittman.
Bud was a devout student of the Bible and servant of the Lord, a man of great faith, integrity, and loyalty. His family was his greatest joy.
Visitation will be held at Trinity on the Hill in the Gathering Area Saturday, June 15th, at 10:00 a.m. to be followed by a celebration of Bud’s life at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Trinity on the Hill or The Golden Harvest Food Bank.