John Dudley (J.D.) Morgan, 83, of Goldsboro, NC, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2015, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Wilmington while surrounded by his family.
J.D. was born in Gastonia on April 24, 1932, to the late Ernest Ronald Morgan and Edna Dudley Morgan. J.D. was a graduate of the Citadel in Charleston, S.C., in June 1954. He lived his dream proudly serving as a pilot in the United States Air Force. J.D. was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and went on active duty in the United States Air Force in August 1954. He graduated from pilot training in August 1955. J.D. was a command pilot with over 5,000 hours of fly time in numerous aircrafts. He flew 63 combat missions in the Vietnam War.
J.D. will always be remembered for his incredible intelligence, his wonderful sense of humor and his patriotism. J.D.’s valor and skill were recognized with numerous decorations including: six Air Medals, four Air Force Commendation Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Galen Try. He had two tours of duty at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, retiring in October 1974 as a Major after 20 years of service. J.D. served as the 68th Bomb Wing Director of Flying, Nuclear and Ground Safety at the time of his retirement.
J.D. was a member of Freedom Baptist Church and the Golden K Kiwanis Club. An avid sportsman, J.D.’s passion was golf and if it was a beautiful day, he enjoyed being on the links sharing shots and laughter with his friends.
A service celebrating J.D.’s life will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2015, in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jonathan Smith officiating. Military honors will follow on the front lawn. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at his home.
J.D. is survived by his wife, Dorothy Hall Morgan; son, Ronald Morgan and wife Susan, of Greenville; daughter, Lisa Erickson and husband Lt. Col. Raymond, of San Antonio; stepdaughters, Lisa Farmer Isenhour and husband Albert, and Teri Farmer Moylan and husband Matthew, all of Wilmington; grandchildren, Morgan Erickson, Tyler Morgan, Samuel Erickson, and Jonah Moylan; sister, Anne Morgan Beam and husband William, of Gastonia; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401; or to Freedom Baptist Church, 300 Country Day Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.SeymourFuneralHome.com.
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