Reverend Dennis Allen Spaulding

January 25, 1940 - December 9, 2020
Reverend Dennis Allen Spaulding

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Reverend Dennis Allen Spaulding, 80, of passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 9, 2020 at his home in Leland, NC.

Dennis was born on January 25, 1940 in Williamsburg, Ohio to the late Joe and Lucille Spaulding of Goshen, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his son Brian Christopher and younger brother Aaron Spaulding of Akron, Ohio.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 57 years, Sharon, daughter Kimberly Cockrell (Ray) of Wilmington, NC, son Brett (Cathy) of Loveland, Ohio, grandsons Joshua and Mason, brother Joe Spaulding (Jane) and family of Loveland, Ohio, sister Susan Thiel (Leo) and family of Batavia, Ohio and sister-in-law Sheryl Spaulding and family of Akron, Ohio.

Dennis grew up in Goshen, Ohio and graduated from Goshen High School. During high school he loved sports and began his love of music. During this time, he received first place in 4-H vegetable gardening at the Ohio State Fair and represented Ohio at the National Conference that year. He attended Ohio State University and Cumberland College in Kentucky. Dennis served proudly in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1962 where he served as Choir Director of the Protestant Congregation and Youth Center Director at Laughlin AFB, Texas. From there he wore many hats working in insurance, real estate, as a general contractor, landscaper and served as a Methodist choir director, Southern Baptist minister of music and youth and an ordained Southern Baptist and United Methodist pastor in several churches in Ohio, Kentucky and North Carolina. He was an active member of Pine Valley United Methodist Church.

On August, 10, 1963 he married his loveliest choir member, Sharon Stevenson, in Norwood, Ohio. He was a talented singer and musician becoming proficient in trumpet. He shared his gift with many through his churches and participation in community choirs and choral groups. Dennis was a man of action and determination, always looking for moments to provide opportunities and experiences for others. One can see his heart of servitude throughout his life. This quote sums it up – “The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, who strive valiantly; who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In Dennis and Papa’s honor, be kind to others and share your generosity with a memorial to either Boys and Girls Homes of NC, PO Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450 or Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099


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  • December 23, 2020
    Debi Harbottle Heidenreich says:
    I was a Good News Singer and have fond memories of Dennis during and around that time when he was the Minister Of Music at Mt Carmel Baptist in Ohio. We worked hard, but also had a lot of fun spreading God’s word through music. Sending prayers and heartfelt condolences to Dennis’ wife Sharon and his family and close friends.

  • June 10, 2021
    Ray Schaefer says:
    Oh my. I just saw this. Rev. Spaulding helped develop in me a love of singing in me – and gave a shy, depressed, messed-up kid a bucket load of self-confidence, even though I hobbled him when I kicked him in the shin. Go Rest High, sir.