David Neil Morgan

David Neil Morgan, 64, of Winston-Salem NC, passed away Monday, January 17, 2022. He leaves behind a loving family who will hold David close to their hearts forever. His legacy lives on with the countless people he helped in every walk of life, those he taught and helped create new careers for themselves, those who made music with him, threw darts, made and flew kites, relished eating his gourmet meals and goodies often made with homegrown fruits and vegetables. He taught people how to use their telescopes, played countless rounds of golf, enjoyed endless jokes and games. David was the leader of many tribes and he will be missed very much.

A native of Winston-Salem, he was a loving husband to Karen Goins Morgan, and brother to Karlynn Morgan, Lee Anne Morgan (Terry Collins), and Cindy Morgan, who survive. Also cherishing his memory are nephews Joe Morgan, Will Bertram, Rob Bertram, Edward Paul Anderson III, Jeffrey Alan Anderson, Joseph Michael Anderson, Gregory Goins; niece Amy Goins; brothers in law Steve Goins, Edward Paul Anderson Jr., Thomas Hill Whitfield, and sisters in law Valerie Goins Whitfield, Gwen Goins, Judy Goins Anderson, and Diane Newman Goins, Ruth Sharpe; and mother-in-law, Virginia Goins Segar.

His father Alton C. Morgan, mother Florence Wright Morgan, brother Fletcher W. “Sam” Morgan, and niece, Karlynn Bertram, left this world before him.

David grew to love the outdoors and nature through scouting. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and a Life Scout, Troop #924. He camped, fished, hiked, and took every opportunity to be on and in the rivers, trails, mountains, and beaches. He was grateful for his role models and mentors, especially Gilmer Whicker, along with other engineers from Western Electric who led the troop.

He was very strong and athletic, and loved sports. He enjoyed cross country running, pole vault, and soccer. He graduated from Reynolds High School in 1975.

He enrolled at East Carolina University where he and Karen met freshman year and began their relationship, marrying in in 1984 at Fairview Moravian Church. Raised in the Moravian faith, David remained very spiritual and had a servant’s heart living the Golden Rule every day.

David had a very keen intellect, strong reasoning skills and a retentive memory. At the ECU School of Business, he was known as a “curve buster.” His voracious appetite and curiosity for learning many complex subjects, coupled with his memory, never waned. After earning his BS in Business, he beat a path back to Winston Salem immediately.

He was a licensed real estate broker, initially with his family’s firm, Morgan Realty. An outstanding commercial real estate appraiser, he practiced with Byrum & Associates. David deeply valued Mac Byrum’s mentorship. His practice areas included: acquisition and development; expert witnessing; right of way acquisitions and condemnations; residential, commercial, farms and land appraising. He also taught real estate sales and brokerage; appraisal; and financial calculator courses with Dan Mohr School of Real Estate for initial licensure and continuing education. He was Vice President at Byrum and Associates.

Following his career in business, David began his long association, involvement and leadership of Forsyth Astronomical Society. He organized and led many public observations at Pilot Mountain, Stone Mountain, and various observations on the Blue Ridge Parkway and mountains, and in Southwest Virginia. He was instrumental in leading frequent observations and seminars for scout, youth and school and university groups. He was among FAS leaders forming the synergistic relationship between FAS and Kaleideum Museum.

David was a very creative “maker,” instructing others to use and enjoy their telescopes with and for FAS. He was an excellent nature and celestial photographer, leaving us with many stunning photos to treasure. He loved making music, playing guitar, piano and organ. He had a beautiful voice and would serenade friends and family.

In his high school years, as part of the Reynolds High School Theater student staff organization, he designed and built sets, worked on lighting and sound tech for productions. He was also involved in the stagecraft for the Little Theater of Winston Salem productions. At ECU, David continued his stagecraft work supporting ECU dramatics.

He also designed and fabricated kites, loved flying them and delighting his nephews with aerial adventures. He was an excellent carpenter and could design and make just about anything.

David gave generously to FAS, SECCA, and Piedmont Craftsmen Inc. and other community organizations and charities, putting his money where his heart was.

Family was central to David’s life. He and his siblings were fierce competitors in regional Trivial Pursuit contests. The Morgans and Goins enjoyed many family feasts over the years. Everyone in his circle accorded him Top Chef notoriety with his delicious jams and jellies, winning ribbons at the local fairs. One felt truly blessed to receive a gift of cherry or blackberry jam, dried herbs, home brews, sauerkraut, pies, puddings, and most coveted, an invitation to a gourmet meal.

David loved being with his friends and having fun. Playing darts, hanging out, enjoying one another. David immensely loved playing golf with Vic Crutchfield, his golfing buddies, and Karen. A member at Grandview and later Maple Chase, David was a constant on the course, no matter the weather. His golfing friends will truly miss him.

A highlight of his life were his two trips to New Zealand to visit his dear friends Drs. Steve and Dee Kerr. His outings to the mountains to view the heavens in all seasons, all times of day and in all kinds of weather gave him a special closeness to God.

David faced many health issues valiantly and prevailed nonetheless, living his life to the fullest. Our chief astronomer has given us his sky map to heaven. He’s taking the grand tour now, so he’ll be our tour guide when our souls meet again. Fly high, David, your bright smile illuminates our world. You’ve shown your brilliant light here on Earth David, and now you are in eternity, shining on forever. Please reflect his shining light in each of your lives, and believe.

A celebration of life service in early summer will be announced. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Forsyth Astronomical Society PO Box 30128 Winston Salem NC 27130. Karen and family will appreciate receiving online tributes via Vogler Funeral and Cremation ADD LINK. When celebration of life arrangements are made, they will be posted on Vogler’s website.