On July 1st, Ed (Eddie) Denton passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Ed was born March 30, 1948 in Morganton, NC and is survived by his wife of 56 years Carolyn Hensley Denton, his beloved children, son Chris Denton, daughter Graham Peahuff (Brooks), and grandchildren: Blake, Meadow, and Eli Peahuff. They were the light of his life and made his life complete. His siblings Ronnie Swink (Lisa) of Valdese, and Sharon Cain (James) of Drexel, Deb White and David Swink both of Morganton and his nieces and nephews. Ed is preceded by his mother Edna Denton Phillips, stepfather Robert Grady (RG) Swink, grandparents Forest Elbert “Paw Bill” Denton and Annie Mae Thacker Denton. He had many aunts and uncles that he grew up with and considered his brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by Jay Denton, John Denton, Ray Denton, Verlie Deaton, Lela Seitz and those living to cherish his memory Jerry Denton, Donald Denton, Lucy Chapman, and Doris Smith.
Ed graduated from Salem High School in 1966. He played 4 years varsity football and 3 years as a starter. He played 1 year of baseball. He loved playing guitar and was in three bands during high school and college. The first band was called “The Ram Rods”, next was “The Tactics” and his last band was “The Next of Kin”. He enjoyed traveling and playing with his bandmates in high schools, colleges and clubs. Later in life he enjoyed attending music festivals, guitar shows, and took great pride in making many friends in the music industry.
Ed graduated Western Piedmont Community College and was the first Student Government President. He transferred to Appalachian State and obtained a degree in Political Science
He started his career working in the Textile Industry for Wamasutta and several other textile factories in the area. Ed went to work for Morganton Furniture Company also known as Contour Enterprises and afterwards worked as a Furniture Manufacturer Sales Representative for upholstery, lighting, & case goods, covering territories in the Southeast U.S. He was appointed Vice President of International Sales for high end contemporary company, Directional Furniture in 1997. He was responsible for its Pacific Rim, Persian Gulf region, the Middle East, Australia, Great Britain, and Shanghai. He decided to retire from Thayer Coggin Furniture after he finished his 50th High Point Furniture Market in 2024.
Ed will be remembered as a kind and loving man, dedicated to his family and loyal to his friends. As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather he was the cornerstone of his family. He had a deep and profound love for his wife, Carolyn. Carolyn was truly the love of his life. Ed, or PawPaw as he was affectionately known, also provided love and guidance to his children and grandchildren. Ed spent numerous hours helping his children and grandchildren pursue their dreams, always providing advice and encouragement. He was also a generous and caring friend. Ed never met a stranger and enjoyed conversation with people of all backgrounds.
He was able to achieve great success through his hard work and ambition, but he never forgot his roots. After all his business accomplishments traveling the world, being at home in Enola where he was born and raised with family and friends made him the happiest.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 3 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Revs. Donald Denton, Jeffery York, and Delisse Lutz Metcalf officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Masonic Rites provided by Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I'm so sorry to hear about Eddie's passing. Although we have not been in touch or seen each other in too many years, I've always thought of "cousin" Eddie as a friend.
Cousin Eddie will be greatly missed! He was so wonderful; accepting, open, & friendly to all he met. He was quick to point out the positive, because his focus was always on the good in people. I had the privilege to serve with him on the board of the Denton Family Reunion (Enola) for several years. He was very insightful & shared so much knowledge about the history of the Denton family in Enola & surrounding areas. It won't be the same without him, but our corner of the world is so much better because of him. Rest in peace my dear cousin.
My deeply sympathy for the Denton Family. Eddie. For the family for the brother of Sharon Cain. The family will be the years my friend of Sharon. Wanda Mills
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Wishing you blessings, peace and comfort while you begin to express your sorrow that words cannot express. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss of Ed with our deepest sympathy, and know our loving thoughts embrace you each and every day. Lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about. Sharing in your sorrow, thinking of you, and hoping you will heal soon. May your memories give you strength. Hold them tight for comfort. As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is moaning and groaning rising to Heaven. May the love of those around you help you through these days ahead. May Ed Rest In Peace. Praying for all of your family.🙏😢
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Wishing you blessings, peace and comfort while you begin to express your sorrow that words cannot express. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss of Ed with our deepest sympathy, and know our loving thoughts embrace you each and every day. Lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about. Sharing in your sorrow, thinking of you, and hoping you will heal soon. May your memories give you strength. Hold them tight for comfort. As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is moaning and groaning rising to Heaven. May the love of those around you help you through these days ahead. May Ed Rest In Peace. Praying for all of your family.🙏😢
My sincerest condolences to the Denton family. I worked with Ed at Thayer Coggin. Ed was knowledgeable, compassionate, and above all, kind. He always made me feel welcomed and taught me a lot about the music he loved. His beautiful eyes and warm heart will be missed. May he rest in peace. Joan
I met Ed in the early 1990’s as a customer at Directional Furniture, then again at Thayer Coggin. Since 2009, I have worked alongside Ed and many others at Thayer Coggin as their representative in Western Canada. Ed was always kind, helpful, slyly humorous, a gentleman and a scholar. It was a privilege and a pleasure to know him. I am so sorry for his family’s loss. Very sincerely, Rosemary Nowicki
Thinking of you and your family — praying for peace and healing. LTFEF. Much love.
Eddie was a Prince of a man! I knew him in our early teens when my family moved to Morgantown where our dad, Willis Moore, was the minister at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. His sister, Sharon, was one of my best friends. He was always the best at everything and made most of us want to be better. There is a hole in the world tonight due to his passing, BUT his light will continue to shine through in all that he touched! My prayers for his family as they learn to adjust !
Prayers and Peace for all in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior......