Jay Russell Denning, 65, of Taylorville passed away at 11:20p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2018 in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Emergency Room. He was born on August 15, 1952 in Taylorville, the son of Elwood and Rose Marie (Curry) Denning. He married Diana L. Bailey on November 14, 1998 in Taylorville. Jay worked for over 25 years at for the Taylorville Park District, a job he truly loved. One of his favorite times of year was getting ready for Christmas in the Park. Jay was gifted with the ability to repair countless items including small engines, cars and electronics. If he didn’t know how to fix something, he would find out and keep learning until he knew how. He enjoyed time outdoors metal detecting and spend many hours helping his neighbors by mowing yards. He was often found enjoying time on the porch of his house.
Jay is survived by his wife: Diana Denning of Taylorville; children: Jason Denning of Taylorville, Breezy Denning (Jeremy) of Waverly, Melissa Hughes (Kris) of Waverly, and Joseph Denning (Jennifer) of Peoria; step-children: George Bailey (Heather) of Kincaid, Kissi Sullivan (Louis) of Taylorville, Tiffani Bailey of Taylorville, Michelle Smith (Norman Mays) of Langleyville, Kristi Smith of Tennessee and Josh Lomprez of Taylorville; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings: Shelia Nation (Bill) of Taylorville, Joyce Denning of Taylorville, Jeff Denning (Rose) of Branson, Missouri, David Denning (Judy) of Kemper, Texas, Brad Denning of Taylorville, and Todd Denning (Nikki) of Taylorville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Carol Bixler Denning, and brothers: Ronnie Denning, Leland Denning, and Bruce Denning.
The funeral service for Jay will take place at 10a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. Visitation will be from 5 until 7p.m. on Thursday in the funeral home. Memorials may be left to the Denning family. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Jay, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com
