Richard Harvey Morgan Jr.

Richard Harvey Morgan, Jr. went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, November 26, 2017. He was born on July 6, 1934, to the late Richard H. Morgan, Sr., and Eleanor Brooks Tunnell Morgan in Mannings Township, Spring Hope, North Carolina. Richard met the love of his life, his “special girlfriend” named Judy Batchelor, in Spring Hope, NC, and they were married on June 16, 1960, and honeymooned in Niagara Falls, NY. That union produced three children and two grandchildren, all of whom were loved dearly. He is survived by his wife Judy B. Morgan, his daughter Darlene Morgan-Shoemaker of Boone, NC, son and daughter-in law Richard H. Morgan, III, and Janine of Louisburg, NC, and son John Lawrence Morgan of Franklinton, NC; and grandchildren, Hunter G. Morgan and Mckenzie Skye Morgan of Louisburg. He is also survived by seven siblings, Roderick Tunnell Morgan (Joan) of Butner, NC, Gene Morgan of Richmond, Va., Linda Lindskoog of Atlanta, Ga., Carolyn Shearin (Mickey) of Rocky Mount, NC, Elizabeth Matthews (Sammy) of Knightdale, NC, Gerald B. Morgan of Louisburg, NC, and Derald K. Morgan of Louisburg, NC. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Elmer Vann Morgan and sisters Ruth Wernelle Morgan and Eleanor Brooks Morgan.

Upon his graduation from Spring Hope High School, Richard enlisted in the US Army on February 4, 1954. He served his country honorably while stationed on several bases in the United States. In 1955, he was transferred to Germany where he served until February of 1956. Richard continued serving in the Reserves another six years. Afterwards, he studied Management and Business Law at the College of Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC, from 1963-1968.

After his time in the US Army and Reserves, Richard spent his entire adult working career in the wood/veneer business; three years at Walker Lumber Company in Gold Rock, NC, five years at Goblet Veneers in Whitakers, NC, and then a five year stint at Hertford Veneers in Hertford, NC. On December 26, 1967, Richard purchased Franklin Veneers, where he operated Franklin Veneers and served as the President of the company from 1968 until he promoted his son Richard H. Morgan, III, to President in 2014. Richard turned over the operation of the plant to his son in 2014 but he never stopped loving the work and being involved in the day to day functions of the plant. The Franklin Veneers plant provided, and continues to provide, jobs for many hardworking employees that are grateful to Richard for his employ.

Those who knew Richard best knew the things that were important to him. These include his love for the Lord, his love for his family, his love for his churches, both in Hertford and in Franklinton, and his tireless work ethic. Richard served faithfully in the churches where he was a member. He served as a trustee, Sunday School teacher, a deacon, took leadership positions on numerous committees and in varying capacities, and helped move the churches forward. He had a knack for greeting visitors at the church that made them feel loved and welcomed as a guest. Just recently, Richard and Judy gave a piece of property on North Hillsborough Street to Franklinton Baptist Church where children are often seen running and playing during Vacation Bible School. It brought such joy to his heart to make this generous contribution to the future of the church. Richard also served as a member of the Hertford Fire Department and Franklinton Fire Department, this being just another example of his servant heart.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 1, from 7 – 8:30 pm at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest.
Services honoring and celebrating the life of Richard H. Morgan, Jr., will be held on Saturday, December 2, at 2 pm at Franklinton Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Spring Hope Town Cemetery in Spring Hope, NC.

Flower arrangements are welcomed or memorial contributions can be made to the Memorial Fund at Franklinton Baptist Church, 102 W. Mason Street, Franklinton, NC 27525.

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