“It’s the best day of my life!” This is the response you will get when you ask Charleston veterinarian, Dr. Stuart Denman, “How are you doing today?”
Stuart Graham Denman Jr., the oldest of four children, was born Sept. 15, 1942, in Charleston. He is the only son of the late Stuart Graham Denman Sr. and the late Joyce Hewlett Denman, also of Charleston.
He was raised on a farm about 10 miles outside of Charleston at Cowart, where he became familiar with animals, large and small.
When asked why he wanted to become a veterinarian, he answered, “My daddy and granddaddy were both farmers and I was raised up by them. They took great pride in their livestock and pets, and they showed compassion and willingness to care for and understand the need for all animals. I think some of those attributes rubbed off on me.”
A 1960 graduate of East Tallahatchie High School, Denman’s love for farming and animals grew deeper during his nine years in the 4-H Club. As a third generation 4-H’er, he worked raising swine and beef cattle while farming corn and cotton.
He was awarded nationally for his 4-H swine project and earned a scholarship to Mississippi State University. Denman attended MSU for his undergraduate studies before going to Auburn University, where he graduated with a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine in 1966.
Denman began his residency in Vicksburg with a Dr. Lindley, DVM, who had a lasting influence on his passion for veterinary medicine. “He was one of the most influential people in my life besides my daddy and granddaddy,” stated Denman.
He married Judy Coker Denman, also of Charleston, on Jan. 26, 1963. In June 1966, Dr. and Mrs. Denman returned to their hometown of Charleston, where they opened the private practice, Denman Animal Clinic.
The clinic was initially located on 152 West Walnut St. In the spring of 1970, they moved to the outskirts of Charleston off Highway 32 and Creek Road and he continues to practice at this location six days a week — on a slow week.
They have five children: Ann Denman Reynolds, Susan Denman Mabus and Stuart Denman III, all of Charleston, Joe Denman of Batesville and Rena Denman Montgomery of Olive Branch, and have been blessed with many grandchildren and a great-grandson, who bears the family name.
Besides a husband, father, grandfather and veterinarian, Denman serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Cowart Baptist Church, and has done so for many years. He is very proud of his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Denman was also instrumental in the founding of Strider Academy and served on that school’s board for many years. Currently, he serves on the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools’ Executive Committee.
Denman is also a member of the Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine, serves on the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association’s Nominating Task Force and is on the MSU Examiners Board. He enjoys proctoring the examinations for the graduating veterinarian students.
Denman currently operates two veterinary clinics: the primary location in Charleston and a secondary location about 30 miles east, in Water Valley.
Denman Animal clinics offer general practice, routine surgery, emergency surgery, grooming and boarding. In the 1990s, he extended his practice to Grenada for several years.
Even at 73 years old, Denman strives daily to rewrite the definition of hard work and dedication and live the 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better.”
Several individuals assisted the Denman’s along the way, including Lottie Toole, Mary Morgan, Mary Foster, Susie Walker, Tasha Rodgers, Amanda Gazaway, Walter Williams and Robert Webster. According to Denman, “We (Denman Animal Clinic) would not be where we are today without their hard work and dedication.”
Denman is particularly fond of nicknames and he has had several different ones over the years, but his favorite is simply “Doc.”
Another favorite nickname is “GranDoc” — given to him by his grandchildren. It’s not uncommon for one of the kids or grandkids to be seen at the clinic lending a hand and learning a life lesson or two.
Recently, one of the grandkids commented on how GranDoc always has a joke or wise crack, and “if he wrote them all down, he could start a night job as a stand-up comedian who specializes in grandpa jokes that make you groan and chuckle at the same time.”
Denman is also well known for his love of storytelling. So many of these stories have come from his adventures as a veterinarian and living in a small town. These stories could fill a book or two. Anyone who has had the privilege of meeting him, has probably heard a few. Maybe he will slow down enough one day to write them down.
Denman is known as a true example of a hard worker who exudes integrity. He is also knowledgeable and compassionate. His dedication to the health care and well-being of animals of all kinds — dogs and cats, horses and cows, alligators, zebras and even gorillas — and their owners, extends well beyond Charleston and Tallahatchie County’s borders. He goes above and beyond the Strider Academy motto, “Attitude Determines Altitude.”
Denman’s children will host a reception to celebrate his milestone of 50 years in veterinary practice. No, it’s not his retirement party yet.
The reception will be held Sept. 11 from 2-4 p.m. at the Charleston Arts Center (CARE building) located on 1 North Market St. in Charleston. The public is invited to attend.
IN THE PHOTO: Dr. Stuart Denman stands outside his animal clinic near Charleston. June 2016 marks 50 years that Denman has been engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine in Tallahatchie County. (Photo by Rena Denman Montgomery)
