Ricky P. Morton

Ricky P. Morton, age 63, died on October 11, 2020. He was born in Baytown, TX to the late Paul Morton and Shirley Faye Turner Morton on September 13, 1957.

He joined the US Air Force, traveled the world, then settled down to raise a family and serve his community as a law enforcement officer in Virginia. In 1998 he relocated to Philadelphia where he owned a successful business and reputation as a friend and neighbor always willing to lend a hand. He moved, with Debbi, to Oxford in 2010 to care for her mother. He was a proud member of the Oxford Lions Club and Franklinton American Legion Post 52.
He will forever be remembered for his quick wit, fun-loving banter, big smile, a great cook and baker. He was a voracious reader, vicious card and undefeated Boggle player. He exceled in things he enjoyed such as hunting, fishing, marksmanship, gunsmithing, woodworking, gaming, military history, weaponry and more. He loved old westerns, especially “McClintock”, and “politically incorrect humor” like Dean Martin Roasts. His favorite job, as Lion’s Tail Twister, often gave leadership a little heartburn wondering how off-color this month’s jokes would be. That gave him almost as much joy as sharing the tale. He was a vintage “guy’s guy”, no apologies.

Rick is survived by his companion Debbi (Cooksley) Marquardt; son Paul Jerome Morton (Mackenzie) of Virginia, daughter Katie Marie Jones (Dale) of Washington; siblings Jesse, Jon (Sherrie), Bobby & Carol Morton, Alice (Jon) Pankey; grandchildren Mason Morton, Courtney and Shannon Morton, JPOD, Nate, Ashley and Noah Jones; friends Michele and Charlie Walker and two precious kittens. He will be missed by many special people he befriended through the years and who enriched his life.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Thursday, October 15, 3-6pm at the home: 129 Pine Cone Drive, Oxford. All are welcome to gather responsibly respecting COVID protocol.

Memorials are welcomed in Rick’s honor to: Activities Fund, Lion’s Club, Attn John Tovey, Box 303, Oxford, NC 27565 for their ongoing service to the blind.

The Morton family is being served by Gentry-Newell, Vaughn Funeral Home, 503 College St, Oxford, NC 27565.