Dr. Kent Swindell Denton, 83, of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, passed away suddenly due to medical complications at Duke University Hospital on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 23rd at First Methodist Church in Morehead City, officiated by Rev. Sarah Williams. Inurnment will follow at the church columbarium. The family will receive friends following from the service in the Church Atrium. 

Kent grew up in little Washington and quickly found his first love—sports. At Washington High School, he excelled in baseball, tennis, basketball, and football. His athletic talent earned him a full scholarship to Duke University, where he played quarterback and formed a lifelong love for Duke. He often said his years at Duke were among the happiest of his life.

After graduating from Duke, Kent attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. He established a dental practice in La Grange, North Carolina in 1970, where he would faithfully serve patients for 56 years, stepping away only a few weeks before his passing. He also served his country in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1973 to 1977, earning an honorable discharge.

Dentistry was one of Kent’s greatest passions and proudest achievements. He loved taking care of his patients and genuinely looked forward to going to work each day. He was a lifelong member of the Monte Miska Dental Study Club and the North Carolina Dental Society, where he formed many lasting friendships with colleagues he greatly admired.

Caring and charismatic, Kent made friends wherever he went. He had a gift for making others smile and was known for his warmth, sense of humor, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

A devoted sports fan throughout his life, Kent remained passionate about college athletics long after his playing days ended. He was a proud member of both the Iron Dukes and the ECU Pirate Club. Few things brought him more joy than tailgating with family and friends on game day or settling in to watch a game from home.

Kent believed strongly in service and leadership. He devoted himself to civic life through the La Grange Rotary Club and the Arendell Parrott Academy Board of Trustees. He was also a longtime supporter of the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program, formerly known as Junior Miss. A man of quiet faith, he was a longtime member of La Grange Christian Church. Later in life, he became active at First United Methodist Church in Morehead City.

Washington held some of Kent’s earliest memories, and Maules Point—his cherished family land and second home—was a place he deeply loved. There he found peace, spending weekends with loved ones and watching the sun set over the Pamlico Sound.

Kent was the proud father of seven children and many grandchildren. If you asked him, being a dad was among his greatest accomplishments. After a long life marked by remarkable health and vitality, he spent his final days at Duke University Hospital, fighting courageously to the end with the love of his life by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ezra Gaines Denton and Christine Swindell Denton, and his brother, James Gwynn Denton.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Cecilia Langston Denton, who kept him laughing and his spirit bright throughout their years together; his children, Kent Swindell Denton Jr.; Jeffrey “Jeff” Todd Denton (Tessa Denton), and grandchildren Ben Miller, Anna Miller, Claire Denton, and Kennedy Denton; Kyle Spencer Denton; Christine “Cissi” Denton Krentz (Starling Krentz), and granddaughter Vera Cecile Krentz; Catherine Caroline Denton; Koleman Denton; and Dorothy “Dee” Jones (Patrick Jones), and grandson Justin Jones; as well as many beloved cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Methodist Church, 900 Arendell St., 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.