James "Porter" Morgan
March 1, 1922 ~ May 31, 2018
Resided in:
Leicester, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
James "Porter" Morgan, 96, passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at the Pisgah Valley Retirement & Skilled Nursing Center.
Born on March 1, 1922, he was a son of the late Harry Mitchell and Blanche Plemmons Morgan. He was the devoted husband of Ollie "Wilma" Morgan, who preceded him in death.
He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Edison, Max, and Don, and by his sister, Melita Morgan Young. Left to cherish his memory are his brother, Dale Morgan and wife Joyce; brother-in-law, Ron Sluder; and many nieces and nephews.
A native of the Newfound community, Porter graduated from Leicester High School and joined the Army, where he served as a Gunner on B-26 Bombers during WWII. He returned to Asheville and worked for 38 years at Johnson and Chandley Lumber Company, later retiring from Lowe's Home Improvement Centers in 1987.
A gardener at heart, every year Porter's energy and generous heart supplied family and friends with the bounty he cultivated, preserved and shared in abundance. Friends, young and old, will deeply miss the gifts, especially his wonderful caramel pound cake, and conversation of his hard work and loving presence.
Porter was a member and ardent supporter of Arden Presbyterian Church. His example of a servant's heart will be greatly missed.
A celebration of his life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Groce Funeral Home chapel on Patton Ave. The Rev. Ronald Lee Shaw will officiate. Interment will military honors performed by the North Carolina National Guard Honor Guard will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Leonard Crook, Steve Sluder, Rick Foster, Darrell Freeman, Shannon Morgan, and Neil Morgan.
His family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family thanks the staff at Pisgah Manor for the good care they provided to Porter. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.
I met Porter when my daughter, Amber, moved in to the north of Porter’s house. He immediately became a protector to her and her daughter, Ava. There wasn’t a thing Porter wouldn’t do for them. He was a generous, friendly, passionate, & adorable man who knew no enemies or bad words. He was the best neighbor and friend for my daughter and granddaughter anyone could ask for. I live 1000 miles away and was comforted by his presence in her life and neighborhood. They cherished his knowledge of the area and taught them life lessons that they’ll treasure forever. Then last year my daughter bought Porter’s house….that was a dream come true for her! It has so many precious memories of Porter…and the garden area is full of life again! I can’t tell enough people how blessed I was to know Porter and the story of him coming into my daughter’s life when she moved to Asheville from small town Iowa! Heaven has gained an angel for sure…and Wilma welcomed him with open arms. God bless his family with prayers.
We were sad to hear of Mr. Morgan’s passing, yet rejoice that he is with His Savior. We used to go take the youth group from Arden Pres. to sing Christmas carols at his house and he would give out unique hand-made ornaments to the students and turn on his rotating Christmas tree for us to see. We talk about that every year when we put those ornaments on our tree. He was always so kind to our family. We are so thankful that we were able to know him and Wilma. May God bring peace and comfort to his family and friends.
Brian and Audrey Russ and Kids
Huntsville, AL
One of the finest men I ever met. He will be sorely missed by his Christian Brothers at the Thursday morning bible study at Atlanta Bread where he was a valued member.
To Porter’s family: We read about Porter’s passing this morning. We all know he is rejoicing with Wilma and all his loved ones and friends who had gone on before him. He was always faithful in returning to Mountain View for the Sluder reunion and will always be remembered for his delicious pound cakes. You were fortunate to have had him for all these years. Cherish your memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear of Porter’s passing. I thought the world of him & Wilma. My thoughts are with you from afar.
So sorry for your loss. Please know the family is in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss, Porter was a gentle soul who we will miss seeing.
As a youth at Arden Pres, I was able to go caroling at his home one Christmas. He gave us each a hand-made ornament made by his sweet wife Wilma. Though it is a Christmas ornament, it is so beautiful and special to me that I keep it up in my room year round. I will never forget how much Mr. Porter loved the Lord, and I am excited to see him again in eternity!