In Loving Memory of Edward Exner Denison
Edward Exner Denison, 97, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 26, 2026. A man of profound intellect and a lifelong learner, Edward was known to his peers as the “Professor of Bottle Polymer” and was a dedicated servant to his community and country.
Early Life and Education
Edward was born on July 31, 1928, in Asheville to Bascom and Louise Denison. He attended Davidson University, where he earned a degree in business. Following a brief period in the insurance industry, he and his brother operated Denison Motors, which carried Packard and Studebaker automobiles.
Military Service and Engineering
Driven by a desire to further his education, Edward returned to college at North Carolina State University, where he obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During this era of his life, he also served his country with distinction as a Captain in the Army Reserve.
Professional Innovation
In 1963, Edward accepted a position with Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, Tennessee. His primary career focus was the development of PET bottle polymer for the soft drink industry, a role in which he helped the company become a global provider of the material. He retired from Eastman in May 1986, at which time he and his wife returned home to Asheville.
Family and Personal Passions
Edward married Patricia Sawyer on November 28, 1953. Together they raised four sons—three born in Asheville and their fourth in Kingsport. His life was defined by a variety of interests:
• Music: His primary love, outside of Patricia, was playing his collection of saxophones. He enjoyed working on his saxes and playing the old tunes up through his 94th birthday.
• Mechanical Skill: He loved the outdoors and working on automotive engines, always maintaining a project as he was never one to sit idle.
• Scouting: Edward was deeply involved in Scouting from his sons’ early days in Cub Scouts until they reached the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as the Scout Master of Troop 50 at First Presbyterian Church for many years.
Survivors and Precedents
Edward was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia Sawyer Denison; his brother, David Nathan Denison; his grandson, Matthew Sawyer Denison; and his great-granddaughter, Coral Denison.
He is survived by his sons and their spouses:
• Mark Richards Denison (Shelia) of Shawnee, OK.
• Paul Westervelt Denison (SuEllen) of Wilmington, NC.
• Craig Sawyer Denison of Kingsport, TN.
• John Stuart Denison (Ashley) of Mills River, NC.
He also leaves behind seven grandchildren—Jonathan, Stephen, Sarah, Elizabeth, Amy, Meg, and Adam—and five great-grandchildren—Lyric, Lincoln, Noah, Foster, and Fuller.
Service Information
A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church at a time to be determined on Saturday, May 16th, with the Rev. Gary Coffee officiating. The family will receive friends in the Parish Hall immediately following the service. Edward’s ashes will be interred at Riverside Cemetery next to his wife, Patricia.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff of Arden Woods, Heather Glen, and Wynning Hands for their care. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.