Joseph Edwin Denney

Mr. Joseph Edwin "Joe" Denney, 67, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 19, 2015, at Duke University Hospital in Durham. He was surrounded by love, family, and prayer. Mr. Denney was born April 10, 1947, in Madison County, KY, one of two children born to Edwin Ray and Elinor Kundert Denney. Joe grew up in Lexington, KY, a place that would always occupy a significant space in his heart. He spent the majority of his life, however, in North Carolina, having moved to the state in the mid 1960's. While in the mountains of North Carolina, he met and married his wife and had three children. It is where he will ultimately be laid to rest. Joe moved to Mount Airy in 1991, where he became an important part of the community, lived a happy and Godly life, and was universally loved by everyone that crossed his path. Upon meeting him, you would soon discover his love of basketball, first for Kentucky and later for the University of North Carolina. He was also the head coach of numerous Surry Stars AAU teams, leading one to a national championship victory in Florida in 1995. Joe was an active and vibrant member of First Baptist Church in Mount Airy. He was a doting, compassionate, and loving father and husband. His three children were provided the blueprint on how to live with love in your heart and integrity at all times. His wife of nearly 42 years received an unparalleled amount of love and affection and was blessed to have the time she did with such a special man. Joe inspired us all to be better. We look forward to seeing him again. He is survived by his wife, Linda Deyton Denney of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah and Paul Young of Winston-Salem and Melissa and Tom Snow of Raleigh; a son, Joseph Ryan Denney (Benita Patel) of Durham; three grandchildren, William Carter Young, Charles Deyton Young, and Harper Linda Snow; his mother, Elinor Kundert Denney of Lexington, VA; and a sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Col. H. St. G.T. "Mike" Carmichael of Lexington, VA. A service of worship and celebration of Joe's life will be held Sunday, March 22, 2015, at 3:30 PM at First Baptist Church in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Steve Ayers, Jr., Dr. Roger Gilbert, and Dr. David Smith officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 until 3:30 PM in the Fireside Room at First Baptist Church in Mount Airy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 714 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or the American Liver Foundation, 39 Broadway, Suite 2700, New York, NY 10006. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.