Danny Gene Renison

Danny Gene Renison age 72 of Chandler Arizona was welcomed into heaven on Tuesday June 10, 2025. He was born to Jack Renison and Erma Smith on August 4, 1952 in Portsmouth, Ohio. Danny attended Mesa High School and played bass guitar at Jesus name Church which was pastored by James Outlaw Sr. Danny spent his summers with his grandparents where he continued to play the bass in their Southern Baptist church. His love for the bass came at a very young age and his Grandma Patrick bought Danny his 1st bass guitar and Amp when he was 14 years old. She said he never had to pay her back as long as he continued playing to serve the lord. That promise he kept for his remaining 58 years.

Danny’s talent did not stop at bass man but he also was a talented singer. Much like his grandpa Ivan and uncle Harold, he has been in a few Southern Gospel Groups. Danny’s 1st singing group with his friends, Andrew Outlaw and Bill Dawley and they were called Fresh Religion. In 1981 he sang with The Eastern Sunrise Quartet based out of Ohio. However, his last and longest running group was Eastern Gate Trio where he sang with his friend Don Caron and mother-in-law Pearl Wagner. I believe his proudest accomplishment is recording a CD titled “Thinkin Bout Home” which he dedicated his work in the memory of his uncle Harold who was his inspiration.

He had several hobbies throughout his life that he enjoyed including riding his Harley with his best friend Rick Coker, joining a bowling league, going to gospel concerts including the National Quartet Convention, and traveling on gospel cruises with some of his favorite groups. His love for music tied second with his love for any type of racing you could think of. Danny was an avid NASCAR fan and you could be sure his Sunday afternoons were spent reclined in his chair watching his favorite drivers on the big screen. Danny was the owner of Ricky Thornton’s modified in 2004 where they won the Manzanita Speedways Trophy Dash during the 53rd anniversary of the track. Danny followed the Thornton family career since 1997 and they happen to be cousins to his 1st love, his wife Terena.

Danny retired in September 2015 after 25 years of being a bus operator and trainer for City of Phoenix which is also known as Violia Transportation. Danny received many driving awards including 2 million miles of safe driving for no accidents with the company. Danny also had fond memories of growing up working with his grandmother Celeste Renison, and his father Jack and several cousins at the Crispie Crème Donut Shop in Portsmouth Ohio.

Danny met Terena at Jesus Name Church where they also married on June 21st, 1975. If you asked Terena how he swept her off her feet, she would tell you that he made her laugh till she hurt. If you asked Danny, he would tell you the bass man, not the drummer, always gets the girl. Their marriage was a testimony of love, faith and devotion. He continued to make her laugh and be her provider and she continued to be his crown and partner with him all the days of her life. Both Danny and Terena said they could not live without the other and dreaded the thought of ever attending each other’s funeral.

Danny was greeted in heaven by Terena who entered Paradise just 10 days prior, as well as his father Jack Renison, his mother Erma Smith, his maternal grandparents Ivan & Anna Patrick, his paternal grandparents Jack and Celeste Renison, his 1 brother Brian Renison, 1 stepbrother Frank Mercer Jr, 1 great-grandson Odin O’Hanlon and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Danny leaves behind his Son Danny Renison Jr., Daughter Crystal Kennedy (Kenneth), and 10 grandchildren Kenneth Kennedy Jr (Bianca), Julia Kennedy (Nicholus), Timothy Renison, Aaron Kennedy (Isabel), Brianna Renison, Ashley Renison, Gage Kennedy, ShelbyLynn Kennedy, Levi Kennedy, and Phillip Hulett (Allyson), and 6 great grandchildren Clayton Roberts, Oliver Kennedy, Scarlett O’Hanlon, Catalina Kennedy, Serilda Kennedy, and Zoey O’Hanlon.