MORRILTON — Greetings…What can I get for you to drink? This was how you were greeted every time you walked in

age 83, of Morrilton, died March 19, 2023, in Little Rock, Ark., surrounded by his priest and loved ones. He was born to the late Clara (Schaefers) and C.W. Drilling on December 19, 1939, in Morrilton, Ark. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dixie (Malone) Drilling.

He was a graduate of Sacred Heart School class of 1957.

He is preceded in death by his sister and brotherin-law, Christine (Honey) Thessing and David Thessing; sister, Joan Drilling and brother-in-law Bill Malone.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Ellen Malone, and sister-in-law Sandra Malone. Denis’ legacy leaves behind his children, Mark (Kim) Drilling of Conway, Amy (Todd) Hoyt of Morrilton, David (Heather) Drilling of Morrilton, Jon (Stacy) Drilling of Morrilton, and his best fur work buddy Gigi. He was Daddy D to his grandchildren Kevin (Lori) Harwell, Lance (Amber) Harwell, Lindsey (John Bryant) McConnell, Taylor (Austyn Brown) Hoyt, Adam (Teal) Hoyt, Ben, Jack, Dayton, Phillip and Ethan Drilling. Great-grandchildren left behind include Baylea Johnson, Brandon Harwell, Natalie (Chris) Yates, Kelvin Baker and Lex Harwell. Denis was especially proud to recently welcome his two great-granddaughters Amy Claire and Anna Catherine McConnell.

Denis was a devoted family man. Denis’ favorite hobby was always tending to his family. As the best bartender and host, he was always planning and looking forward to the next gathering with family and friends. He was a businessman and his family called him a creature of habit. Denis took much pride in devoting himself to his church and school family. Denis humbly dedicated his life to serving others through the Lord.

Funeral mass will be 11 a.m., Thursday, March 23, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Jack Harris, Father Joseph Friend, and Father Charles Thessing officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Rosary will be 6 p.m., with visitation following Wednesday, at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Kevin and Lance Harwell, John Bryant McConnell, Taylor and Adam Hoyt, Ben, Jack, Dayton, Phillip, and Ethan Drilling, and Jamie Poteete. Honorary Pallbearers: Men’s Choir Practice. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to either Sacred Heart Church or Sacred Heart School. Online Guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.