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Reitzel Morgan Obituary

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Reitzel Morgan

Durham, North Carolina

January 9, 1924 - February 3, 2018

Reitzel Morgan Obituary

Hillsborough: Reitzel Noah Morgan died peacefully February 3, 2018 at Brookshire Nursing Center in Hillsborough. He was born 1/9/1924 in High Point, NC to the late Virgle Franklin Morgan and Mable Iola Riggan Morgan. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Beverly Merchant Morgan, and brothers J.V. Morgan and Raymond L. Morgan. They had 4 children: Charles (Kathy), Richard (Cris), David (Debbie), and Anne (Mike Pettit); 6 grandchildren: Melissa (Landy Tang), Travis Morgan (Mathilde) Kathryn Manning, Aimee (Jim Frantz), Stefanie (Adam Draper), and Joshua Reitzel Pettit (Kathryn); and 5 great grandchildren: James, Morgan, Emma, Sofia, Fox Reitzel. A private, graveside service will be held at a later date. The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral Service, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com. Reitzel Noah Morgan was born in High Point,North Carolina. He was the son of Virgle Franklin Morgan and Mable Iola Riggan Morgan, and brother to James Virgle Morganand twin Raymond Lemuel Morgan. Reitzel grew up in High Point, North Carolina. He graduated from High Point High School (wrestling team), where he met the love of his life, Beverly Marie Merchant . They married in 1943 and had 69 wonderful years together before Beverly passed in 2012. Reitzel was a hardworking, loyal and enthusiastic role model. He loved to learn, read, and share his knowledge so others could excel. He saw himself as a teacher and taught quality control, time study, cost control, management, and work simplification programs. He was a Certified Lay Speaker at his church in High Point. He always provided for his family and by example, the family learned many values needed for personal, spiritual, and professional growth. His work experience included: 1943-1945: Air Force Cadet-Army in Alabama; 2nd Lieutenant-Pilot B-24; Instructor; honorable discharge. 1948: After graduating with a B.S. degree from UNC Chapel Hill (wrestling team - GO HEELS!), he began his 17 year career with Anvil Brand. When he left in 1965, he was Assistant V.P. Production. 1956-1973: Moved to Durham and commuted to Roxboro as V.P. Manufacturing, Roxboro Mfg. Company. 1973-1975: V.P. Operations with Trailblazer (division of Olin Corp.) in Statesville with responsibility for five plants in four states with 800 employees. His work experience well prepared him for self-employment from 1975-1988 as the successful owner of the Postal Instant Press franchise in Durham, where Reitzel and Beverly retired. After retirement, Reitzel and Beverly spent much more time at their lake home on Hyco Lake. Reitzel enjoyed sailing, water skiing, cruising the lake and sitting on the dock with a good read. Reitzel and Beverly were blessed with close friends and enjoyed traveling together, whether to the NC coast or mountains, or to the Panama Canal or Alaska. Reitzel played the harmonica, taught himself to play the piano, and enjoyed playing hymns and pop music. He also loved to sing and listen to his favorite CD’s. Reitzel enjoyed family history, and the Morgan family reunions in Robbins, NC, were a yearly delight where he could reminisce with his cousins and also teach the younger generations about the Morgan family. Reitzel and Beverly had 4 children: Charles (Kathy), Richard (Cris), David (Debbie) and Anne (Mike Pettit). Children’s memories include the firm foundation of Sundays at church (what a gift!), family time on Sunday afternoons, Dad’s leadership with the boys at Indian Guide programs, fun (and work!) on family camping trips, his support for music and dance lessons and ballgames. Favorite times in later years were Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas gatherings at the lake home. Reitzel always welcomed others to the lake home, and enjoyed taking them on boat rides and providing dinner on the porch. Reitzel and Beverly had 6 grandchildren: Melissa (Landy Tang), Travis Morgan (Mathilde), Kathryn Manning, Aimee (Jim Frantz), Stefanie (Adam Draper), and Joshua Reitzel Pettit (Kathryn). All recall family trips to the NC coast, endless boat rides and swimming at Hyco Lake, homemade ice cream, adventures in Grandpa’s workshop, time with Grandpa on the porch swing and many life lessons on finances, education, and the importance of family and honesty. Four of the great-grandchildren live in Ohio (James & Morgan) and Costa Rica (Emma & Sofia) and could not visit often. But Reitzel enjoyed photos, videos, artwork and phone calls. The fifth great-grandchild lives in Kernersville (Fox Reitzel) and Reitzel was able to enjoy the baby smiles and laughter for several months before his passing. Reitzel was a wonderful example of a loving husband and father, always putting his family first. His lessons were taught in love, with wisdom and common sense. Before and after his stroke, his determination and discipline to care for his health was a great example for others. He maintained a positive outlook and a sense of humor. After ‘training’ the staff at Brookshire Nursing Center, he was well thought of by the caring staff and even became a favorite resident. Reitzel will be fondly remembered for his devotion to Beverly, love of family, generosity, being a hard worker (even in his 80’s!), his sense of humor, and his singing through life.

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Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Reitzel Morgan.