Ed Denton

On July 1, Ed (Eddie) Denton passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Ed was born March 30, 1948, in Morganton, 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; and stepfather, Robert Grady (RG) Swink; and 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 four years of varsity football with three years as a starter. He played one 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 afterward worked as a furniture manufacturer sales representative for upholstery, lighting, and 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 2-3 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 the Revs. Donald Denton, Jeffery York, and Delisse Lutz Metcalf officiating. Burial will follow in 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. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.