Obituary - Collins Denny III

Collins Denny III, a lifelong Virginian, passed away on July 25, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on December 5, 1933, in Richmond, Mr. Denny was the son of Collins Denny, Jr., and Rebecca Miller Denny. His life was deeply connected to Richmond and the surrounding counties of Powhatan, Goochland, and Henrico.

Mr. Denny is survived by his wife of 67 years, Anne Carples Denny; their children Collins IV of Richmond, William (Outi) of Elkton, MD, and Katharine Joyce (Bob) of Haverford, PA; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and his brother Clifford of Lexington, KY.

After graduating from St. Christopher's School and Woodberry Forest School, Mr. Denny attended Princeton University and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. He served in the United States Navy on active duty and in the reserves.

Mr. Denny's legal career began in 1961 at Denny, Valentine & Davenport, a firm founded by his father. He later became a partner at its successor firm Mays & Valentine (later Troutman Sanders), where he led the tax practice for over two decades and served as Managing Partner. Following his retirement in 2001, he continued as General Counsel of Coastal Lumber Company and as Virginia Counsel to the Masters of Foxhounds Association.

Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Denny was dedicated to agriculture and forestry. He managed operations at Monacan Farm, his family's home in Powhatan County, for many years and was involved in various agricultural and forestry associations throughout his life.

An avid equestrian, Mr. Denny was active in foxhunting with the Deep Run Hunt Club in Goochland County. He served on the vestries of Manakin Episcopal Church in Powhatan County and St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Goochland County and was involved in the leadership of Boy Scout Troop 418 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

Mr. Denny was a member of several social organizations, including the Richmond Cotillion, The Richmond German, Soixante Plus, The Country Club of Virginia, the Princeton Alumni Association of Virginia, the Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America, and the Deep Run Hunt Club, where he served as both Secretary and President.

Mr. Denny kept a positive attitude through his long battle with multiple sclerosis and will be remembered for his intellect, cheerful nature, and quick humor.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to St. Mary's Episcopal Church., 12291 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238, or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891.