David Morton

David Charlton Morton, 63, of Graham, N.C.,  known affectionately as Dave to his friends and family, left this world on May 14, 2024, but his indomitable spirit and infectious love for life remain a beacon of inspiration to all who knew him. Born on March 20, 1961, in Morehead City, NC, Dave's journey was one of passion, perseverance, and profound kindness.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Dave's early years in North Carolina, filled with the warmth of family and the joys of discovery, set the stage for the incredible life he would lead. A graduate of West Carteret High School, he carried with him the invaluable lessons of his youth as he ventured into the world of restaurant management. His career was marked not only by success but by the countless friendships he forged along the way.

His work in restaurants allowed him to blend his love of people with his passion for entertaining and cooking. Dave had a rare talent for creating an atmosphere that felt like home, where laughter was the melody and companionship the feast. He was the heart of every gathering, and his culinary creations were as much a delight to the palate as his presence was to the soul.

Dave's interests were as rich and varied as the flavors he so skillfully combined in his dishes. A lover of all genres of music and musicals, he found in them the rhythms that resonated with his own life's journey. His love for writing poetry was yet another facet of his deep connection to the arts. Through his verses, he captured the beauty of the world around him, and in doing so, touched the hearts of many.

The words that best describe Dave are loving, faith-filled, and gentle. These qualities shone through in every aspect of his life, from the tender way he interacted with his family to the respect and compassion he showed to friends and strangers alike. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Lenster Thomas Morton II, and his mother, Virginia Garner Morton, as well as his brother, Lenster Thomas Morton III. He is survived by his siblings, Craig Paul Morton, Rose Thompson and husband Dean, Terri Brown and husband Ed, and Judi Brady and husband Tuck, and Sherrie Morton who will all cherish his memory. His nieces and nephews—Shana, Malina, Wendy, Kari Anne, Kaitlyn, Tommy, Jason, Cassidy, and Eric—will hold dear the love and lessons he shared.

Dave's life was a testament to the power of faith and the strength of a gentle heart. As Helen Keller once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." Dave felt the world with all his heart, and in doing so, he made it a more beautiful place for all of us.

As we remember Dave, we are reminded of the impact one person can have on the lives of many. He taught us that to love is to truly live, and to share that love is the greatest gift we can offer. His legacy is one of joy, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people.

In his passing, Dave leaves behind a world that he made brighter, a melody of memories that will continue to play for generations to come. Though we will miss his gentle presence, his spirit lives on in every act of kindness we perform, every meal we share in good company, and every moment we choose to live with love as our guide.

Let us honor Dave's memory by embracing life with the same passion and love he exemplified. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Dave Morton succeeded resoundingly, and for that, we are all eternally grateful.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net.

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.