The architect who designed Knoxville’s iconic Sunsphere has died. William Stewart “Bill” Denton Jr., passed away on May 23, 2022, at age 81.
Mr. Denton began his career under architect Hubert Bebb in Gatlinburg and Morristown. He later became president of Community Tectonics before starting his own firm in 1983.
Notable career accomplishments include: design and development leadership of the Sunsphere for the 1982 World’s Fair; principal architect of Walters State Community College, the first Tennessee college campus developed from a master plan; three consecutive Tennessee School of the Year award-winning buildings; and the first solar facility in East Tennessee.
Additional obituary information is here. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 1, from 4-6 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at First Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge, 3290 Parkway, Pigeon Forge.