William “Bill” Rhea Denning

William “Bill” Rhea Denning, 69, passed peacefully at his home in Whitestown, Indiana on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. He was born on July 10, 1956, in Beech Grove, Indiana, a son of the late Joseph Anthony “Tony” Ricci and Ula M. (Nash) Ricci.

He graduated from Zionsville High School in 1976. The following year on May 27, 1977, he married Karen (Hoover) Denning at Mts. Runn Baptist Church in Zionsville; she survives. They were married 49 years and had four children then 12 grandchildren. As well as countless others who looked to Bill as an honorary father/grandfather.

Bill worked for Mill Craft Paper Company driving semi-trucks for 47 years.

He was a member of Mts. Runn Baptist Church. Where he completed multiple projects as their go-to handyman. Bill was always on the go. He enjoyed remodeling homes, shooting sports, vintage cars, and riding motorcycles. Most of all chasing his grandchildren around.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Denning; children, Erin Dodd, BJ Denning (Danielle), Daniel Denning (Stephanie), Thomas Denning (JoHannah); grandchildren, Trinity Dodd, Will, Wyatt, Jonah, Eli, Gavin, Isaiah, Easton, Lincoln, Ezra, Isabella, and Emmett Denning; and stepmother, Pam Ricci.

Funeral Services are to be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at the Mts. Runn Baptist Church, 250 South 775 East, Zionsville, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Interment will follow at Mts. Runn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Mts. Runn mission trip to Brazil 2027 in which Bill intended to attend.