Alan Whitney Morse

It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Alan Whitney Morse, age 90, on Tuesday, Feb 8, 8:39 a.m. at his home near Pilot Mountain, N.C..  If this place sounds familiar it is because of the T.V. show Mayberry. He was surrounded by his six children, in person or by teleconference, when he passed peacefully. Hospice, Pastor Andy and granddaughter Cora helped assist with spiritual, health and technical guidance. He had a very “full life” and in his lifetime he had been able to reside in upstate New York, MA, GA, VA, Florida and N.C.

Alan was born on August 17, 1931 in Fall River, MA His parents Ralph Whitney and Katherine Morse lived in the Fall River area the majority of their lives.  His love for Sailing came from living in New England and this passion stayed with him until his passing. Al attended B.M.C. Durfey High School.  He was involved in many extracurricular activities and was effectionally known as “Red” because of his hair coloring. We heard this for many years and it made us smile especially seeing that within ourselves, our children and grandchildren.

Our father served in the Korean War with the Army from Jan 1953 until Dec 1954 stationed in Germany. He earned the National Defense Service Medal. His strong Patriotic service was followed through by some of his children and grandchildren. In 1955 he married our mother, Elizabeth Goss, and together they raised six children including two sets of twins. The family was featured in the Red Book Magazine in 1960 entitled "How to survive with five children under five" While raising his family Alan worked in his family's reed shop and drove trucks for our uncle Tom .  He finished his BS at Bradford Durfee College of Technology in Advertising - Design in 1960.

Alan moved his large family to a rural area in Tribes Hill, New York, for 12 years while working at the Mohasco Industries as a carpet designer and stylist.  He also was very active in the community; a Ruling Elder of The Presbyterian church, served on the Fonda Fultonville School Board, a member of the YMCA church basketball league and sang in the Mohawk Valley chorus.  He then worked the next decade in multiple positions, such as a national acct stylist, superintendent of styling and market development, and vice president of product styling and development.  He was recognized throughout the East Coast for his accomplishments and was well known for his flamboyant and successful presentations.  In his career he worked at Mohawk Carpets, Vice President at Galaxy, Allied Chemical, E.T. Barwick and Pierless. Our father had a very accomplished life professionally and was well liked by many because he was humorous, positive and always had time to help another staff member.

His friends, children and grandchildren will always remember him as the “Encourager” and he knew no strangers. He made everyone feel welcomed and comfortable. He gave us sound advice about how to treat others and how to be open minded. He instilled and taught us how to have good etiquette; always say “Thank you”, “excuse me”, if you borrow something return it in good or better condition, be kind, thoughtful, cheerful, think of others and how they might feel, do not put other people down or say rude comments, be helpful, and reach out to those in need. For many of us he was our “rock” and he always saw the best in people.

During the 80’s and early 90’s Alan was married to Brenda Morse. They were coworkers in the Carpet Industry.

In the mid 90’s Alan was pleased to meet Joyce Carpenter through Parents without Partners in Charlotte N.C. and they moved to Punta Gorda where they lived out one of his dreams by being able to sail in the open waters of Charlotte Harbor.  Alan married Joyce Carpenter, his last wife, in Jan 2006.  Donna, Kim and Madelyn Carpenter adored Alan as did John and Tess Carpenter’s family.  They moved back to Charlotte and lived at Polo Gate community for five years 2010-2015.  Alan was involved in the Polo Gates Men’s club and enjoyed sailing at Lake Norman Community Sailing Club.  After Joyce passed in 2015 Dad moved to Pilot Mountain with his son Todd and he also had the opportunity to live with daughter Dale and sometimes daughter Kim during his last 7 years of life. :) 

What he will be remembered for was his passion for enjoying life and his family…for entertaining friends… for relaxing with a glass of Chardonnay wine and engaging in stimulating conversations. He loved art, painting and all forms of natural beauty in life. When you went out sailing with our father he was at his happiest and yearly he would call upon his children for a March Winds sail to the Keys. All of his children have a kindred ship to water. On land he often would go for walks or sit by a window especially when God blessed him with a sunny day.

Father, you had a major impact on our entire lives and you will be missed until we see each other again. May your wind always be at your back and Salute, Cheers and Peace is with you.

He is survived by:

Daughters:

Cathlynn Morse of CA

Dale Naylor and husband Bob of IA

Drew Stanton and husband Robert of CA

Kimberly Gianopoulos and husband Jim of VA

Dr. Brooks Morse and husband Dr. Lance Miller of OR

Son:

Todd Morse and wife Lisa of NC

Step Sons:

Kim Carpenter and wife Donna of NC

John Carpenter and wife Tess of NC

16 grandchildren

18 great grandchildren

Photos: Dad saying “Cheers”, Last oil painting our father did and sailing on Lake Norman

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