Donald Hager Morrow

Donald (Don) Hager Morrow of Raleigh, NC died peacefully at home on Sunday, August 21, 2022. Don was the son of the late Paul Bennett Morrow and Crosby Marian Hager Morrow of Mooresville, NC. He graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in Sociology in 1956. He taught History at Reynolds High School, in Winston Salem, NC. In 1960, he joined the North Carolina Education Association as the field service coordinator for all 100 counties in the state. In 1968, he joined the ranks of the National Education Association in Washington, DC. In 1971, he returned to North Carolina as the manager of the UniServe Directors of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE). He then became the executive director of the NCAE, serving in this role until his retirement. His colleagues have said that he held impeccable moral standards and set high expectations for those who worked with him. Following retirement, he continued to engage with his local community, working at the Holiday Inn reservation center in Cary and RiteAid Pharmacy at Five Points. The grandson of a Methodist minister in Western NC, Don began to serve the Church at an early age, and remained committed to service to others for his entire life. His musical contributions were among his most cherished. Don always attributed his love of music to his mother, who taught him to play the piano and organ. As a student, he played the organ and the carillon at Duke Chapel. He was the first organist at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, where he and his family attended. He particularly loved singing in the Church choir. He also served the Church as a member of the Diaconate and the Session, and, with the help of his wife, he served as a youth leader for middle school and high school students. The love Don had for others was evident in his passion for mentoring and teaching. He was honest, kind, and a good listener. He treated everyone like family, and was a true friend and role model to others. The Morrow household was open to all those who needed support and always provided a soft place to land. Don’s passion for history culminated in travel around the world with his wife Mary. Together, they visited dozens of countries, and always brought home treasured mementos which reminded them of their adventures for years to come. He was a member of the Raleigh Kiwanis Club, the Raleigh Oratorio Society, and many other organizations. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary McNeely Rogers Morrow (married 55 years), his brother Paul Richard Morrow, his son-in-law Joseph E. Martin, Jr. Survivors include his two daughters Mary M. Morris and husband William of Burgaw, NC and Marian B. Fertin and husband Eric of Raleigh, NC.; four grandchildren; Donald Martin and wife Ashley of Clarksville, TN, Mary Aline Fertin of Durham, NC, Anna Fertin and Kate Fertin of Raleigh, NC, as well as many nieces and nephews. Love you Dad, good night beloved, Mary and B Visitation Saturday, August 27, 2022 4:00 - 5:30 pm 1117 Cowper Drive, Raleigh, NC 27608 Service of Celebration of Life Sunday, August 28, 2022 2:00 pm Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church 4921 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609 In lieu of flowers, memorials to Presbyterian Women of New Hope (PW Scholarship Fund) in a note section of the check. Addressed to: Linda Barnes 6442 NC 581 Hwy North Kenly, NC 27542 Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com