What Really Happened to Bill After Leaving Moonshiners? His Life Beyond the Cameras.
BILL CANNY: MOONSHINER, MUSICIAN, MASTER BUILDER—AND STILL RAISING APPALACHIAN HELL
Former Moonshiners star lives life off the grid, honoring tradition with a fiery spirit and backwoods brilliance.
Bill Canny isn’t your average moonshiner. He’s a man of many talents, a big personality, and a knack for turning chaos into something golden.
Fans of Moonshiners know him best as one half of the iconic (and often explosive) duo with Josh Owens. When they weren’t butting heads, they were crafting some of the finest illegal liquor ever caught on camera. But there’s more to Bill than the booze and the brawls.
Canny is a craftsman, a musician, and a man who’s made a name for himself from the hollers of the South to the hearts of fans across the country. So what’s he been up to since stepping away from the limelight? Let’s take a look.
ROOTED IN TRADITION
Bill Canny’s moonshining roots run deep. He learned the craft from the late, great Barney Barnwell—a legendary distiller and founder of the Moonshiners Reunion and Mountain Music Festival.
Barney wasn’t just a mentor; he was a master. Though he passed in 2011, his spirit lives on through Bill’s work. Every jar Bill makes carries a bit of Barney’s wisdom—and a whole lot of backwoods grit.
BEYOND THE SHINE
Sure, Bill can brew a batch of shine that’ll knock your socks off—but that’s just the surface.
He’s also a master carpenter and still builder. He doesn’t just operate stills; he builds them from the ground up. His custom rigs rival commercial setups, all while keeping that rustic Appalachian soul intact.
THE FIRE WITHIN
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Bill’s temper can be as fiery as his copper stills. His on-screen clashes with Josh Owens became legendary, delivering some of the show’s most unforgettable moments.
Their dynamic was messy, electric, and totally unpredictable. And for fans, that’s exactly what made it great.
LIFE AFTER MOONSHINERS
Bill joined Moonshiners in Season 2 and quickly became a fan favorite for his no-nonsense attitude, expert skills, and volatile friendship with Josh.
But in 2019, Bill quietly stepped away. There was no dramatic exit, no farewell episode. Fans speculated: Was it burnout? A falling out? Creative differences? No one knows for sure, but his absence left a gap.
Even so, Bill didn’t vanish. He’s still out there making moonshine, building custom stills, and tackling carpentry projects. He’s also active in his local music scene, teaching, performing, and giving back.
In fact, he’s used his musical talent to raise money for causes like the Carolina Miracle League, helping kids with disabilities play baseball.
WHAT’S BILL WORTH?
Between his moonshining skills, carpentry work, and time on TV, Bill Canny is estimated to have built a net worth of around $500,000—not bad for a backwoods boy with an outlaw trade and a whole lot of hustle.
LOVE, MUSIC, AND LIFE OFF THE GRID
Is Bill married? Not quite—but he’s been in a long-term relationship with Sarah Brunes since the 1990s.
They call it a “civil union,” and though they never officially tied the knot, they’ve built a life full of music, love, and adventure. The two are often seen at festivals and local events, enjoying life outside the spotlight.
They have no children, but their bond is strong and their lifestyle authentic—just the way Bill likes it.
THE LEGACY LIVES ON
Bill Canny is living proof that moonshining isn’t just about liquor—it’s about passion, heritage, and community.
Though he’s no longer on Moonshiners, his legacy continues through every still he builds, every tune he plays, and every drop of shine he crafts.
And who knows? Maybe we haven’t seen the last of him on TV. But until then, Bill’s out there doing what he does best—making moonshine and raising a little bit of good old-fashioned Appalachian hell.
