Richard R. Morgan

Richard “Rick” R. Morgan, 67, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2017 after a year-long battle with cancer.Pre-deceased by his father, Rex Morgan. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1950, he moved with his family to N. Miami Florida where he grew up with two sisters, Cindy and Jill and his brother Rex Casey. He moved to North Carolina to attend St. Andrews College in Laurinburg, NC. While there, he began playing music and singing on the coffeehouse scene where he met many of his life-long friends. His voice was magnetic and brought joy to others. He moved to Raleigh after graduation and worked for Wake County Public Libraries for several years. Here he discovered his talent for drawing and sketching that blossomed into a side career of illustration. He illustrated several works, including spiritual guides, educational materials for children and nonprofits, as well as commercial projects. After marrying his soul mate, Cyndi, he began his life-long career as a Montessori teacher. He began working as a Montessori teacher at the Montessori School of Raleigh from 1979-85 before transferring to SAS, Institute. Where he would combine his love of music and art with Montessori training for the next 32 years. His annual papier maché sculptures are treasured by his students. He delighted his own children and grandchildren as well as his students with his folk music - playing guitar, dulcimer, cello, and harmonica. He loved singing and storytelling, being with family and friends, and was a magnetic person who made friends easily. His love of his children and grandchildren overflowed to his parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents and to all who knew him. He enjoyed tracing his family roots as well as writing and recording songs. He created several CD’s which he sold, but mostly gave away to others. He was a music therapy volunteer at Transitions Hospice for10 years. He also sang at the Mayview Rest Home on Sunday nights. Prayer and meditation kept him calm and peaceful. He enjoyed being active at Pullen Church for many years and found many friends and mentors there as he shared his gifts. Of all the works he created, his children meant the most to him. Of all the works he created, his children meant the most to him. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Grace Marie Morgan Kavanagh; two beloved sons, Eli James Morgan and John Casey Morgan; his life partner, Cyndi Morgan; his beloved granddaughter, Edan Marie; beloved grandsons: Brendan Patrick and Jacob Anthony; his mother, Dottie Cope, of St. Petersburg, Florida; sisters: Cindy Gavin (Tom) of Waynesville and St. Petersburg, Florida, and Jill Falco(Jim) of Moravian Falls and brother, Rex Casey (Brenda) of Florida; as well as many beloved cousins and nieces and nephews. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of so many. He inspires us all to have quiet courage to share our God Given talents to uplift others. A memorial service will take place at Pullen Baptist Church at 1801 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27607 on Sunday, October 15 at 5pm. Donations may be made to Transitions Hospice Care at 250 Hospice Circle, 27607 and to Pullen Baptist Church at 1801 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27605 in his honor and memory.

Richard R. Morgan

August 5, 1950 - October 12, 2017