Homer Lee Denning's Obituary
Homer Lee Denning, born October 23, 1939 in Bryson, Texas passed away May 7, 2020 in Frisco, TX. Raised in Bryson by Mary and Luther Denning he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with Honors from Texas A&M University in 1962 where he was a Colonel in the Corps of Cadets and First Lieutenant Platoon Leader in the Ross Volunteers. Homer married Linda Randolph Denning on November 28, 1964.
Homer served his country at Scott Air Force Base as First Lieutenant from 1962 to 1965. In 1966, he was employed by Ford Motor Company working as a sales management executive. His lifelong love of cars inspired his 1974 purchase of Cowboy Ford and Mercury in Waxahachie, Texas, which he owned until 1980.
Thereafter, he began a career in the industrial distribution industry. Homer started as Dallas Branch Manager for the equipment group of Briggs Weaver in 1980. The branch flourished under his leadership. His unique talent and enormous contributions to the company were immediately spotted and he was steadily promoted, earning the attention of the larger Briggs Weaver supply group. He was made President of all of Briggs Weaver, retaining control of the equipment group, comprising 6 branches in Texas and Louisiana. The parent company of Briggs Weaver sold the supply business but kept the equipment group asking Homer to be CEO. Homer acquired more locations in Arizona and California. The business then had 15 locations. The parent company also made the decision, with Homer’s guidance, to acquire Case Equipment dealers in the Southeast part of the US. Within five years Briggs Construction Equipment was the largest Case dealer in the US. He always enjoyed and valued every relationship he built, but particularly so during this time and among these colleagues. His position there enabled him to impact and inspire others to pursue their goals and find the place where they can thrive and grow as he did. A natural mentor, he remained ready to offer support and guidance when needed. Homer retired from Briggs Construction Equipment in 2004.
Homer balanced his strong work ethic and drive with devotion to the people and things he loved, his central source of pride being his family. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, earning near perfect attendance at every grandchild’s’ sporting event. He embodied the ideals of his beloved Fightin’ Texas Aggies: fierce loyalty, a true patriot, and lover of college football. As a “Keeper of The Spirit and Guardian of The Traditions of Aggieland” Homer never declined an opportunity to tell a story from his time in College Station. He was an avid golfer and loved spending time outdoors boating and fishing at Lake Texoma.
He is preceded in death by his parents Luther and Mary Jane Denning and brothers Winifred and Edward Denning. He is survived by his wife Linda, sister Mary Denning Ellard, children Laura LeCrone and Jennifer Denning, M.D., son in-laws Adam LeCrone and Geoff Smith, and four grandchildren whom he cherished, Caroline and Jack LeCrone, Cora Denning, and Chloe Smith.
A private memorial service will be held on May 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Wildwood Chapel in Restland Park. To view the livestream: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/29647
Memorial donations can be made to The Texas A&M Association of Former Students Fund in his honor at www.aggienetwork.com/give/funds/?cdAllocationId=AFSDENNING or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
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