Our Staff

William D. Munden, Jr.

Co-Owner

William D. “Bill” Munden, Jr., 2^nd generation owner, began his funeral career in 1958 with Bell Munden Funeral Home. He graduated from the McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York in 1959 but couldn’t obtain his licensure until 1960 upon turning 21. After graduating he returned to Morehead City and worked faithfully at the Bell Munden Funeral Home where his father, Dave Munden Sr. was part owner.

In 1972, Bill and his brother Phil purchased Mrs. Bell's interest in the business, making the Munden family the sole owners. A complete renovation and extensive expansion of Munden Funeral Home was completed in 1997. At which time, it changed from Bell Munden Funeral Home to Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.

For over 66 years, he and his family and staff have had the privilege to serve numerous families in Carteret County and surrounding areas. 

Bill has always had a strong conviction for his “life’s work” of serving families during their time of loss and bereavement. His devotion to others, during their stages of grief, has helped establish Munden Funeral Home as a source of comfort to our community. 

Bill is married to Nancy who has been a strong support in his life for many years. They are devoted members to First Baptist Church of Morehead City where they continue to remain actively involved.

Bill has 2 sons, David and Taylor, and 1 grandson, Hunter.  David was employed with Duke University for the past 30 plus years and is now pursuing a new career in cardiac rehabilitation. Taylor retired from the funeral home after working over 30 years in the family business. 

On any given day, Bill can still be found in his office continuing his “life’s work”.

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

Phillip Munden, Jr.

Co-Owner & Funeral Service Licensee

John Phillip Munden, Jr., 3rd generation Funeral Director and Co-Owner of Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Graduated West Carteret High School in 1984 and then graduated from Gupton-Jones School of Funeral Service in Atlanta, GA. I have worked at the Funeral Home since 1983. 

I have been involved with the Jaycees, past President of Lookout Rotary Club and former member of the N.C. Seafood Festival. I am also a member of the N.C. Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, N.C. Cremation Association, and CANA-Cremation Association of North America. I have always been a part of the funeral home since high school and love my work and being able to help others in such a very hard time in their lives. 

I enjoy surfing, fishing, riding motorcycles, hunting, and just doing things with my family and coaching kids in various sports. 

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

Steve Odom

Co-Owner, Manager & Funeral Service Licensee

Stephen Odom was born in New Bern North Carolina. He started working in Funeral Service in 1991 where he served his apprenticeship and then attended Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Ga. He graduated from Gupton Jones College in 1996. 

He became licensed in North Carolina as a Funeral Service Licensee in 1996 . Stephen has been serving families ever since in Craven, Jones, Onslow, Pamlico and Carteret Counties and the surrounding area. Stephen became part of Munden Funeral Home and Crematory staff in 2001 and in 2014 became Manager. In 2019, Steve became a partner with Bill Munden and Phillip Munden, Jr. and he continues to manage the funeral home and daily operations.

Stephen is married to Christina Harding Odom and has three children: one daughter, Bella Grace Odom and two sons, Blake Odom and Gavin Odom. 

He enjoys spending time with his family, along with fishing and hunting. He is a member of National Funeral Directors Association and District Director of North Carolina Funeral Directors Association. He is a member of Ocean Lodge 0405 AF&AM of Morehead City, and the Morehead City Elks Lodge # 1710. 

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

Johnny Thompson, III

Assistant Manager & Funeral Service Licensee

Johnny attended Gupton-Jones School of Funeral Service in Atlanta, GA and graduated in 1990 with is degree in Mortuary Science and is also Funeral Service Licensee. He has been serving families in Craven, Onslow, Jones, and surrounding counties for more than 25 years.   Johnny served on the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association board for several years and also served as President in 2012 and 2020.

Johnny is married to his wife, Kris and they have two sons, John Ben, and Christian. 

Johnny serves as Minister of Music for Centerview Baptist Church where he has two choirs. Johnny was the past director of the New River Barbershop Harmony Chorus in Jacksonville.   

He is the Past President of the Richlands Rotary serving two terms, Past President of the Jacksonville Host Lions Club serving two terms, and served on the Richlands Chamber of Commerce where he served two years as President.  He served on the Foundation for Hospice Board as Executive Chairman for several years. Johnny is the Past President and past Secretary of the Morehead City Rotary Club.

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

H. Weston Porter

Funeral Service Licensee

We are excited to welcome Weston Porter to our Munden Funeral Home family. Weston has over 23 years of experience working with the families of Carteret County where he has earned the respect of families in our community.

Weston is a 1985 graduate of Campbell University and began working in the Funeral Home industry in 1996.  In 1999, Weston graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College with an Associate Degree of Funeral Science.  Being a Carteret County native, he knows the importance of seeing a familiar face in a time of loss and is committed to serving families with tradition, integrity, and compassion.

Weston married the love of his life, Kim, and they have celebrated over thirty years together. They have two children, Thomas and Ashley. He has been a faithful member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Beaufort where he has been attending since 1970.  In his spare time, Weston enjoys spending quality time with his family, surfing, hiking and painting. 

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

Nicholas “Nick” Fuller

Certified Crematory Operator / Funeral Apprentice

Nicholas “Nick” Fuller

Nick was born in New Bern, North Carolina and attended elementary school in Newport, North Carolina until moving to different parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia with his parents as they progressed their careers in the funeral industry. Nick graduated from Blue Ridge High School in Greer, South Carolina. After high school moving to Marietta, Georgia, Nick worked for a pet crematory and helped open their location in Charlotte, North Carolina. After some life changing events in 2015 Nick moved back to Carteret County, found work at Best Buy until joining the Munden Funeral Home staff in late 2021.

Nick currently lives in Newport. In his spare time Nick enjoys traveling, disc golf, hiking, photography, has a fond love of reading, and thoroughly enjoys all aspects of consumer electronics. Nick is currently enrolled at Fayetteville Technical Community College in the Funeral Service program, studying to be a funeral service licensee, and is very eager to serve the families of the Crystal Coast community. 

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

Blake Odom

Funeral Apprentice

Blake is a 2020 High School graduate who attended Croatan High School and is the son of Steve and Christina Odom.

He started at the Funeral Home at the age of 15 assisting with visitations and funerals.  He is looking forward to growing into the role of Funeral Director and carrying on the tradition of the Munden family and his father.  In January of 2022, Blake began his studies through the Funeral Service Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College. 

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

Gavin Odom

Certified Crematory Operator / Funeral Apprentice

Gavin is a 2022 Croatan High School graduate and is the son of Steve and Christina Odom.

He was a high school football athlete and enjoys watching college and professional football.

Gavin is excited to join the Munden Funeral Home family and continue their service of tradition, integrity, and compassion.

McKenna DiNicola

Funeral Assistant / Certified Crematory Operator

McKenna was born in Erie, Pennsylvania where she graduated from North East High School in 2015. In 2017, she relocated to North Carolina and started working as a full-time pet groomer with her now fiancé and his family. Later making the decision to change careers, she began working at Munden Funeral Home. 

She is currently enrolled at Fayetteville Technical Community College in the Funeral Service program. Her goal is to become a licensed funeral director by the end of 2024. In McKenna’s spare time, she enjoys reading, rollerblading, and spending time with her pets, her fiancé Tony, and soon to be stepdaughter, Harper. McKenna is looking forward to helping families and serving the community.  

Tom Kelly

Funeral Assistant

Tom Kelly is a native of Carteret County. In 1988, he graduated from West Carteret High 

He joined the Munden Family in 2014 as a funeral assistant and operates in many different capacities. 

Tom is Married to Becky Whittaker Kelly. Together they have three sons, Joshua, Jordan, and Jeremy, and granddaughters, Alayna Elizabeth, Emily Kelly, Bailey Renfrow, Cadence Brigtingham, Arabella; and grandsons, Tucker Kelly, Connor Kelly, Alex Kelly, and Arlo Kelly.

In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, sports and inventing new dishes in the kitchen. He attends Refuge Fellowship Church on Harkers Island. 

 

John Rimmer

Funeral Assistant

John was born and raised here in Carteret County, graduating from East Carteret High School, after which he attended Carteret County Community College. He worked in construction with his father, John Rimmer, as well as many years at Parker Marine in Beaufort.

John joined Munden Funeral Home in 2021 as a Funeral Assistant.  John has a prior history with the Funeral Home as his mother worked with the Munden family in the 80’s when John was born. His late father was also friends with Phil, Phillip Jr., and the other staff.

John has always considered the Funeral Home a special ministry and he is honored to serve our community.

Tracey M. Spencer

Bookkeeper

In 1992 Tracey became a member of our family in our accounting department.  Her faithful service and dedication to Munden Funeral Home has helped us maintain the business aspect of the services we offer. 

Tracey has called Carteret County home for more than 30 years now.  She is married to Kenny and she has a daughter and a granddaughter.

In her spare time, she enjoys fishing, boating, and camping, but most of all, being a Nana. 

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

Mary G. Innis

Administrative Assistant

Mary, a Carteret County native, became a member of the Munden Funeral Home family in 2000 as a secretary.  Mary fulfills many roles and has been a dedicated employee to our company for more than 17 years.

Mary and her husband, David and their four-legged kid, Biltmore, live in Newport. Her hobbies include reading, movies, and of course watching UNC Tarheel Basketball in honor of their son Brad.   

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

Tyanne Munden

Administrative Assistant

Tyanne Munden joined the Munden family business in 2017. As the secretary, she assists staff and families in many capacities.

After completing Bible College in 1994 she spent a year on the mission field in Peru. Since then, she has worked in administration and was actively involved in the Teen Challenge ministry.

Tyanne is married to Chris Munden and they have 2 teenage boys, Noah and Micah. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading and decorating.

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

Christina Odom

Administrative Assistant at Havelock Location

Christina is a native of Beaufort County where she graduated from Washington High School in 1991. She married Steve Odom in 1998 and they were blessed with three children, Blake, Gavin, and Bella.

Her favorite pastimes include interior decorating, gardening, and quality time with family. Also, her love for all animals.

She is looking forward to being a part of the Munden family.

Telephone: 1-252-444-6248

Email: 

Rhonda Fuller

Cemetery Manager

Rhonda Fuller moved to Carteret County in 1987. She began her career in the funeral industry in 1997 here locally, and continues to serve in the funeral service today as the Cemetery manager for Gethsemane Memorial Park, Carteret Memorial Gardens and Forest Oaks Memorial Gardens.

She is a past member of the Cemetery Association, a Certified Crematory Operator, and holds a degree in Print Technology. Rhonda is currently enrolled at Fayetteville Community College working towards becoming a North Carolina Funeral Director. 

She is the proud mother of three children; Nicholas, Noah, and Nicole. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. 

Telephone: 1-252-726-8066

Email: 

Tommy Knox

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Tommy is a native of Carteret County and is employed full time with Carteret Health Care. He graduated from East Carteret High School in 1975 and soon after married his sweet heart, Cindy, in 1978. They have one daughter, Lisa and two grandsons, Garrison and Lupton.

Tommy joined our family here at Munden Funeral Home as a part time funeral assistant where he finds fulfillment in greeting many of the people of Carteret County. He is a familiar face and friend to many of the families we have served, and chances are, you have interacted with him during family visitations or funerals.

Anthony Nelson

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Anthony is a native of Harkers Island. He married his loving wife, Louella in 1972 and they have two sons, Anthony Jr. and Shane, along with five grandchildren, Hannah, Christopher, Madison, Ashlyn and Shane Jr.

Anthony graduated from East Carteret High School in 1970 and immediately joined the United States Coast Guard where he served honorably for twenty years. He was privileged to have been employed with the State of North Carolina Marine Fisheries for over twenty-six years, retiring in 2019. His life has been all about serving, his country, state and his local community and church.

Anthony’s core values are to serve God first, family and his fellowman.  It is with these attributes that blend in with Munden Funeral Home’s mission to serve with Integrity, Compassion and Tradition. His out-going and friendly personality makes him a valuable asset to our team in building relationships with those we serve. 

Mike Pargeter

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Mike Pargeter is a native of Carteret County. He retired from FRC-East Cherry Pointe in 2013.

He began a second career with Munden Funeral Home in 2015. Mike is a funeral assistant and serves in many capacities with Munden Funeral Home.

He is active within the local community serving as a volunteer with the Backpack Program for school children and Hope Missions. He is a member of the Masonic Ocean Lodge in Morehead and a Deacon at Parkview Baptist Church where he is an active member.

Mike is married to Charlene. They have 3 beautiful children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and a day on the boat fishing.

William H. Moore

Part Time Funeral Assistant

William is a native of Harkers Island. He is a graduate of East Carteret High School. He attended Carteret Community College where he received a Detention Officer certification, and is a full time Lieutenant at Carteret County Detention Center. He joined Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in 2018 as a part time funeral assistant and operates in many different capacities. 

William lives in Beaufort and is married to Andrea Moore. William enjoys spending time with his family, hunting and boating. 

William is a member of Franklin Lodge 109 in Beaufort NC.

John Smith

Part Time Funeral Assistant

John is a native of Carteret County, from Newport. He graduated from West Carteret High School in 1983 and has been employed at Cherry Point since 1988. He's been married to his loving wife Barbie for more than 30 years and they a have two children, Lauren and Lathan.

John joined the Munden Funeral Home family in 2012 as a part time funeral assistant where, in addition to serving families, he fulfills many other roles and responsibilities. 

In his leisure time, he loves to fish and spend time with his family.

Keith Moore

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Keith is a native of Carteret County. In 1982 he graduated from East Carteret High School. In 1984 he attended Nash County Community College where he served his Lineman Technology Apprenticeship. He attended North Carolina State University, were he received his Manager of Environmental Safety and Health, and Carteret Community College receiving his Basic Law Enforcement Training.

Keith retired from Carteret Craven Electric in 2016 and is currently a full time Deputy Sheriff at the Carteret County Sheriff's Office. He joined Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in 2001 as a part time funeral assistant and operates in many different capacities.

Keith lives in Beaufort and is married to Lisa D. Moore. In 1998 their daughter, Pamela Faith Moore, was born. Keith enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, camping and boating.

Keith attends Refuge Fellowship Church at Harkers Island and is a Past Master at Franklin Lodge 109 in Beaufort NC.

Walker Guthrie

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Charles Taylor

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Erik Lewis

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Pastor David Bratton

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Jerome Taylor

Maintenance/Cemetery Staff

Aaron Clark

Maintenance/Cemetery Staff

Braden Munden

Part Time Maintenance/Cemetery Staff

Max Murphy

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Max joined the Munden Funeral Home family in 2015 as a part time funeral assistant where he works in many different capacities.

He is originally from Moultrie, Georgia and has lived in Carteret County for over 25 years. He is married to his lovely wife, Jorianda, and has 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Max’s many talents include electronics as he holds a degree is the Technical field. But, most important to Max is his faith, he is a retired minister and long-time member of the Church of the Nazarene.

A favorite hobby for Max is fishing and travelling "wherever the road leads”.

Jerry Gaskill

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Jerry is from Cedar Island and has lived in Carteret County his entire life. He worked faithfully for the North Carolina Ferry Division where he served as Director upon his retirement.

He joined the Munden Funeral Home family in 2016 as a part time Funeral Assistant where he helps serve the families of Carteret County.

Jerry has been married to his lovely wife, Charran Gaskill, for over 30 years. They have 2 sons, David and Clay and 5 grandchildren, Allison, Jalie, Evan, Jadyn and Ethan.

His hobbies include spending time with his family (especially his grandchildren), working, fishing and church activities at Cedar Island United Methodist Church. 

Charles Kelly

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Jimmy Mercer

Part Time Funeral Assistant

Jay Fairbanks

Funeral Assistant

Jay Fairbanks

April 9, 1959 - June 22, 2021

Jay has been a Carteret County resident since 1976 and graduated from West Carteret High School in 1979. He attended East Carolina University and is also a proud United States Navy Veteran.

In his spare time, Jay enjoys reading and cooking on the grill for friends and family.

Jay recently joined the Munden Funeral Home family as a Funeral Assistant, after working more than three decades in the retail industry in Eastern North Carolina. He is honored to be serving his community through Munden Funeral Home.