John Luther Morton

John Luther Morton, 85, a resident of Brighton Gardens Assisted Living Facility of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 13, 2013. A service to celebrate John’s life will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2013 at Providence Baptist Church located at 4921 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC, in the sanctuary, officiated by Rev. Melvin Morton, John’s nephew. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens with military honors.

John was born March 28, 1928 in Montgomery County, NC to the late John Clifton and Myrtle Smith Morton. He proudly served his country during the Korean War while in the Air Force as Airmen First Class. One of John’s fondest memories was observing the practice for Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation while he was stationed in London, England. John met his wife, Rita Morgan Morton, of 58 years while stationed in Kansas City, Mo. They came to Charlotte in 1957 to work for Trailer Bottle Gas, and retired in 1989 as an owner. After retirement he worked at Pawtuckett Golf Course and Renaissance Golf Course. He spent many years as a member of the Charlotte Yacht Club and Oak Hills Golf Course. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, who also enjoyed cooking Barbeque.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Hoyt Clifton and Melvin Leon, and a nephew H.C. Morton. He is survived by his loving wife, Rita Morgan Morton; sons, Michael (Mike) Wayne Morton and wife Annette of El Paso, Texas; John William (JR) Morton and his wife Pamela of Matthews, NC. Five grandchildren: Jeremy Morton, David Morton, Ashley Morton, Ray Morton, and Kelly Bryant. Nine great-grandchildren: Lindsey, Ethan, Sierra, Aiden, Carson, Joshua, Isobel, Kristen and Katie; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the care provided by Brighton Gardens Assisted Living Facility, Dr. Michael Friedland, Dr. John Fedor, and the nursing staff of 7 Tower at CMC Main.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Salvation Army of El Paso, TX, Union Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Monroe, NC or Providence Baptist Church building Fund, Charlotte, NC.