William Emmett Denman III

1940 - 2024

William "Billy" Emmett Denman III died August 16, 2024, at Allen Morgan Health Center at Trezevant Manor. Billy was born in 1940 in Greenwood, MS to Dr. William E. Denman Jr. and Sallie Whitaker Denman. The Mississippi Delta would forever serve as an important piece of his legendary storytelling even though he spent most of his life in Memphis, TN. Billy's sister, Sallie, always said that Billy was the luckiest of their three siblings because he met and married Julie Moss in 1967. For the last 57 years, Julie has been Billy's steadfast partner and the anchor for the small, but mighty Denman family.

Billy and his younger brother Whit loved the Boy Scouts, and he served on staff at Kia Kima in Hardy, AR for many years. Kia Kima brought out his most hilarious stories which are already missed. He loved to sail and owned a Lightening Class sailboat that he enjoyed with friends.

Billy graduated in 1959 from CBC (now CBHS) and was proud of the education and standards fostered by the "Brothers." He graduated from Memphis State University where he pledged SAE.

Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church and School were cornerstones in Billy's life. He served several terms on the Vestry and was also President of the GSL School board during his 65-year relationship with the corner of Peabody and Belvedere. The GSL community gave him lifelong friends and a foundational system of support.

In addition to the steadfast love of his wife Julie, Billy was grateful for his son John. John often said that his Dad checked all the boxes whether playing catch in the backyard or teaching him to love woodworking and leatherwork. He loved duck hunting with John, passed on his love of fine knives, and adored that John continued the Brothers tradition. No one entertained Billy more than John.

Billy was the snappiest of dressers, emulating his father. He was famous for his tartan plaid holiday pants, square penny loafers, an endless array of bow ties, and his handlebar mustache that he nurtured for years. Although usually the shortest person in the room, he stood out as best dressed.

Billy was affectionally known in his later years as "Beeda" to his family, a moniker created by his toddler niece, Leighton. He was a most beloved uncle to Robbie, Sallie's daughter and Leighton, Whit's daughter.

Billy is survived by his wife Julie and son John. Other family members include his sister Sallie Denman Johnson, nieces Robbie Johnson Weinberg (Michael) and Leighton Denman Debray (Thomas). Eli and Fannie Weinberg were cherished great nieces and nephews.

A Requiem Eucharist will be held at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024, at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in Trezevant Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. In honor of his life, feel free to wear your snazziest bowtie.