Bill Denly, 81, of Farmington, died at 4:25 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love for the outdoors, the thrill of the hunt and the deep bonds of family and friendship. Bill was a true sportsman, a man who felt most at home in the woods, gun in hand, with the crisp morning air and the quiet rustle of the trees as his only companions.
He was born on Feb. 27, 1943, the son of Gerald and Dorothy Schau Denly. Bill grew up learning the ways of the land. Hunting wasn’t just a hobby for him - it was a way of life. He believed in the value of patience, respect for nature and the deep satisfaction of providing for his family the same way generations before him had done. Whether tracking a whitetail at sunrise or calling in a gobbler at dawn, Bill knew that the best part of hunting wasn’t just the harvest - it was the time spent in the great outdoors, sharing stories with friends and passing down traditions.
Bill was preceded in death by his first wife: Margie Denly, with whom he shared many cherished years. Later in life, he found love again and is survived by his devoted wife: Emma Denly.
He also leaves behind his children: Amie (Tom) Bradley, Billy Jo (Brian) Alderton, Roger (Rachael) Denly; his beloved grandchildren: Kristin Bradley (Thomas Brechler), Drew Bradley, Zach (Kayla) Alderton, Briana (Lawson) Wideman, Maggie (Willie) Moore, Alizah and Brooklynn Denly and great grandchildren: Quinn and Jade Brechler, Keaton, Sage and Baker Alderton, Aiden, Liam, and Evelyn Wideman, Fayth and Hayvn Moore, who will always remember his lessons on hunting, life and the importance of a steady hand and a patient heart.
He is also survived by his step-children: Jane (Bill) Trammell, Doug (Lisa) Gatton, Wilma (Jeremy) Moore, Jason (Angie) Gatton; step-grandchildren: Tara Gatton, Wyatt Gatton, Jessica Moore and Becca Moore; his brother: Robert Denly and many nieces, nephews and friends.
His absence will be deeply felt by his family, his hunting buddies and the many friends he made around the campfire and at deer camp. His stories will live on and his legacy will continue in every sunrise over the woods and every whispering wind through the trees.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington with Pastor Chad Welch officiating.
Burial will be at Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington.
A memorial has been established in his memory for Greenglade Cemetery.
Though Bill has taken his final hunt, we know he now walks fields that never end, where the game is plentiful, the forests are peaceful and the hunt is eternal.
Rest easy Bill - your shot was true and your trail will never fade.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements.