Roger Hugh Morton

Son of William Ray Morton and Lillie Belle Whitley (Morton), he was born July 10, 1942, in Aquadale, NC. He graduated from Albermarle High School and married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Smith (Morton) December 4, 1959. While Roger and Pat began their family, he developed his own construction company, Morton Construction Co. Roger loved hunting, fishing, and working in the Piedmont, yet he dreamt of moving to the coast, buying a boat, and becoming a sea captain. Following his heart, he and Pat, along with their two children, Todd Morton and Amy Morton, took a leap of faith and moved to Holden Beach, NC, in 1973. Purchasing a 50 ft Navy steel hull and using his keen building abilities, Roger built his dream boat, the Amy-T, along with the family home, from the bottom up. Working during the day and studying at night, he earned the title of Sea Captain in 1975.

Roger’s skill as a helmsman gained him the respect of the US Coast Guard, and they often used him to rescue boats off-shore. Roger became well-known and respected in the community for his courage and talents beyond the sea. He was elected as Holden Beach Police Commissioner and became instrumental in the discovery, seizure, and arrests of smugglers moving illegal drugs through his coastal town. These actual events and Roger’s courage would later be featured in a best-selling book and Podcast where he is characterized as “The Lone Ranger.”

After many years on the sea, Roger returned to the world of building. He and his son built a thriving construction company. They partially retired from construction, opening Stone Chimney Outfitters merchandising store to include all things outdoors. The store thrived and was a bit of a modern day general store including rocking chairs for anyone who wanted to visit while they shopped, or “just visit.” He finally retired full time, sold the business, built a “vacation” cabin in the Uwharrie mountain range of NC, and concentrated on his love for hunting and fishing. During his time hunting the Uwharrie, he also had the opportunity to transport military personnel through the mountain range while they performed drills and trained. His final years then spent at his home in Supply where he loved sitting by his peaceful pond, feeding his fish rather than catching them, but the whoppers are still there. Instead of hooks and shotgun shells he loved the sound of tiny feet and laughter from his grand and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded to heaven by his parents William Ray Morton and Lillie Belle Whitley Morton, his older brother Duane Ray Morton, his son Roger Todd Morton, and his grandson in law Keith Michael Neville.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Smith Morton, and their daughter, Amy Patricia Morton, both of Supply; his younger brother, Patrick Morton and Shelia Davis of Burlington, NC. Grandchildren: Derek Morton and daughters Mary Jane Cranford, Lillie Pearl Morton and Ellie Lynn Morton, of Richfield, NC; William Seth Morton and wife, Jana Smith Morton and son William Colt Morton, of Troy, NC; Casey Rogers Neville and daughters Lila Rae Neville and Mia Belle Neville, and son Raylan Michael Neville, of Supply, NC; and John Ethan Rogers and Delaney Thompson of Billings, MT.

Roger was the rock of his family, his Christian values and ideals deeply-rooted in his Southern upbringing. At his core, he was a protector of all things and people he loved, especially his family. He was loyal, kind, and generous under the tough and rough shell lots of people viewed, but underneath, he had a huge heart. He made it easy to love him is what many have said. He was a master story-teller that captivated all ears. His wisdom, sarcastic humor, and dynamic personality drew most people to him. He will be greatly missed by all who love him.

A Memorial Service will be Monday, November 18, 2024 at two o’clock in the afternoon at White Funeral and Cremation Service, 603 Ocean Hwy E, Bolivia, NC 28422. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be offered at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com

White Funeral & Cremation Service, Bolivia/Supply Chapel