Dennis R. Setterfield

Mr. Dennis R. Setterfield, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at the age of 81.

Dennis was born to parents Mona Mae Jackson and Reyden Setterfield on April 29, 1940, in Philadelphia, PA. He grew up as the eldest of five children and attended Palm Beach High School, FL.

After high school Dennis began working at Palm Beach Country Club. After a short time, he became the General Manager, coincidentally making him the Youngest Country Club GM in the United States. To this day he is still in the Guinness Book of Records. He took his expertise and applied it to all his future life endeavors, including becoming the GM of the High Spirits -the sister ship to the Presidential Yacht- where in his element he frequently rubbed elbows with the likes of President Reagan as well as other high-profile celebrities. Dennis was also a proud member of the Florida National Guard and co-founder and CEO of the Big Ass Ham Company along with his brother-in-law, Frank Westmoreland.

Achieving much success at an early age, Dennis knew there was something more he could bring to the world.  He ultimately decided to follow that call, packing a bag and setting out to travel the world. It was within a small pub in England where he found his passion and chosen path. Standing true to his famous quote “many are called, few are chosen,” he returned to the States triumphant and ready to build the empire you know today as Setterfield Design.  He began with an antique shop in the gorgeous North Carolina Mountains, and soon was designing and building themed restaurants, Antique Saloon Bars, Film Sets, Micro Breweries, Boutique Dress Shops, Country Clubs and more.

A true southern gentleman (born in south Philly) and renaissance man, Dennis was a connoisseur of many finer things.  Speaking of exquisite things, in 1995 he married the love of his life Sherron Setterfield and made her his queen.  Between their many luxurious vacations, extravagant parties, and his flourishing greenhouse, he ALWAYS found the time to make a phone call every day to those he loved and let them know they remained dear to him. That call will truly be missed.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his brother Dave Setterfield, his nephew Ryan Setterfield, and his brother-in-law Frank Westmoreland.

Dennis is survived by his wife Sherron, his brother Doug Setterfield (Donna), Stuart Setterfield, Sandra Setterfield, sister-in-law Cindy Westmoreland, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

The family sincerely thanks everyone for the love and support they have been given during this time. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. If you wish to visit to express condolences, the family will be at the home Sherron Setterfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Hanover County Humane Society.