Dennis Seawell Munden, 83, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
A funeral service to honor Dennis’ life will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 12th at First Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Nate Leonard. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 11th at Munden Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest privately, with military honors, at Gethsemane Memorial Park. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.
Dennis was born on March 29, 1941, in Durham, NC, to the late David and Mildred Munden. Raised in Morehead City, he graduated from Morehead City High School with the Class of 1959. He furthered his education at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, earning his bachelor’s degree with the Class of 1963, and later earning his master’s degree in 1974.
Dennis was a proud, yet humble, veteran of the United States Army, with the rank of Captain. He valiantly served with the 25th Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment. Completing 1 tour in Vietnam, the “Mighty Ninth Battalion” concluded their final tour in 1967. He shared an unbreakable bond with his military buddies, a connection that endured a lifetime. Dennis’ service was marked by courage and commitment, earning him several commendations for his valor including the Silver Star.
Dennis was well known in our community through his business, Munden Garden Center. He had a keen passion for planting, growing, and harvesting, and his extensive knowledge and willingness to assist his customers made him a trusted resource for many. After closing the Garden Center in 2000, he returned to teaching where he found a renewed purpose (and a bit more patience) in inspiring young minds at Beaufort Middle School. His investment in his students and involvement in school activities were a testament to his commitment to education and mentorship.
Dennis was a faithful and devoted Christian man whose life was grounded in the Word of God. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church serving in various capacities including numerous committees, Vacation Bible School, Mission Trips, and serving with the Baptist Men’s Group building ramps for invalids. He thoroughly enjoyed his Men’s Lighthouse Sunday School Class and their weekly breakfasts at Cox’s Restaurant. But to all who knew him, Dennis’ greatest joy at Church was his time singing in the choir, where he appreciated the technique, beautiful music and close-knit friendships.
Always outgoing, confident, outspoken, highly intelligent, stoic, and quick-witted, Dennis was truly one of a kind. His commitment, discipline, and deep love for God, family and country were beloved traits that will forever be appreciated and treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Alexis Schuyler Munden; children, Schuyler Munden (Melissa) of Bogue, Chris Munden (Tyanne) of Morehead City, Jennifer Munden Lewis of Morehead City; brother, Bill Munden (Nancy) of Newport; sister-in-law, Anne Munden of Morehead City; grandchildren, Carl Munden (Ashley), Stacey Munden (Ethan), Alex Lewis (Helen), Nathan Lewis, Noah Munden, Micah Munden, Josiah Lewis, Jaclyn Lewis, Graham Riggs, and Caroline Riggs; great-grandchildren, Hampton Munden, Thea Munden, Ember Munden, and one on the way; cousins, Judy Monroe and Nell Glenda Rachide; and nephews, Dave Munden, John Trent, Taylor Munden, Phillip Munden Jr., Michael Sharp, and Jason Sharp.
In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his brother, Phil Munden; in-laws, J.B. and Ida Ree Schuyler; and sister-in-law, Jennie Schuyler.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Choir, Missions Committee or Homebound Committee, 810 Bridges Street, Morehead City, NC 28557.
Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.