Smithfield – William Leonard Denning, age 98, went to be with his Lord & Savior on Sunday, September 8, 2024, in the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield. Born, July 6, 1926, in Johnston County, he was a son of the late C.L. Denning and Anna Williams Denning. He is preceded in death by his wife Mrs. Gilda "Patsy" Denning, brothers; Dr. John N. Denning, Hubert V. Denning, and sister, Anna Ruth Denning Westbrook. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church of Smithfield for many years. After graduating from Four Oaks School he began studying at Wake Forest College. He was then drafted into the United States Army to serve in W.W. II. Bill was deployed and toured in France, Austria and Germany. In July, 1946, he returned home and completed his degree at Wake Forest College. Bill opened Denning Furniture Store in Smithfield and was in business for over 30 years before retirement. In his spare time, he enjoyed saltwater fishing at the coast. Bill was an excellent cook, known for his excellent cornbread and his homemade candy. Most of all he loved his family. Bill was a loving husband, father & granddaddy.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 11:00 at First Baptist Church of Smithfield with the burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.

He is survived by his two sons; Kirk Denning (wife Lisa) of Smithfield, Kent Denning (wife Amber) of Clayton, grandchildren; Megan Denning (husband Michael Steck), Will Denning (wife Keely), Amelia Denning, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to all the caring staff at The Landings of Smithfield and the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield for all their wonderful care for Bill during the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield, 426 Hospital Rd. Smithfield, NC, 27577. Or to First Baptist Church of Smithfield, 202 S. 4th Street, Smithfield, NC 27577 or www.fbc smithfield.org.