This week we were saddened to learn that Bill Renn, a Bardstown, KY, resident and Heaven Hill team member for over 15 years, passed away at the age of 73. Known as a great, incredibly intelligent and impactful man with tough skin and a huge heart, Bill and his impact on the world will live on forever.

Bill was born on July 2, 1949 in Louisville, KY, to Lawrence Jr. and Frances Kirby Renn. He was a teacher at Valley High School from 1972-2001 then taught at DeSales High School until his retirement from 2003-2005. After retiring, he became a tour guide for My Old Kentucky Home State Park and then Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience.

When he came to Heaven Hill, he brought all of his knowledge, insight and teaching experience with him. His ability to remember the little things and educate others of their importance was unmatched, making him a spectacular Lead Supervisor, Lead Bourbon Host, mentor and friend.

Our sales team members often requested that Bill give tours to their VIP guests because of his deep understanding of our business, brands and industry in addition to his ability to completely and totally wow anyone attending his tours. These consistent requests and Bill’s outstanding performances on these tours earned him the respected and loving nickname “VIP” from Director, KY Visitor Experiences Jeff Crowe.

“Bill was the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience’s Encyclopedia,” Jeff said. “He intentionally took our newbies under his wing to teach them all he knew. We saw through his tough guy act and got to know his heart of gold. Working beside Bill was an absolute honor.”

From providing detailed information to make exclusive tours possible to selecting the perfect products for specialty tastings and everything in between, Bill was instrumental in launching many visitor experiences at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience.

To commemorate his life and his impact on the HHBE, Bill’s team members crafted a beautiful display just inside the front doors. They also donated a section of a fence at his favorite dog park in his name. Bill will be missed by the Bardstown community and beyond. This has been very apparent throughout the entire week. Customers have sent many meaningful messages to the HHBE Facebook account, stating how much they loved participating in Bill’s tours and tastings. Some have even brought flowers up to the HHBE, placing them on the commemorative display.

Heaven Hill is making a donation to Bill’s family’s charity of choice, St. Jude Children’s Hospital. If you’d like to join us, please click here. The family has also created a Tribute Book for Bill’s friends to write memories of and stories about his amazing life! Click here to submit a tribute.