Harvey Andrew Morse Jr., 94, of Rockingham, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 at his home.
He was born June 28, 1931, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Harvey Andrew Morse and Thelma Lucas Morse.
His family later moved to Tarboro, North Carolina, where he grew up and eventually graduated from Tarboro High School. After graduation, he enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.
Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Tarboro, where he married the love of his life, Carolyn Parker Karn. He then enrolled in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Andrew and Carolyn later moved to Rockingham in 1963 where they made their home and raised six children.
He worked in the insurance industry for many years notably in the practices of Johnson, Sumner, and Morse, and Price and Morse Insurance Services. He also was owner of Sports World in Rockingham for 28 years.
He served God as a true man of character and often went out of his way to help others. A member of First United Methodist Church, Rockingham, he served in many capacities. He and his wife, Carolyn, were dedicated volunteers in the food ministry, Our Daily Bread.
He was instrumental in helping establish a youth league baseball program in Rockingham and coached baseball for many years. His passion was teaching kids the game of baseball while also teaching them life lessons.
Lovingly known as "Paw Paw" by his grandchildren, he instilled in them and his children his love of God, family, and community.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, of 66 years.
Surviving are sons, Drew Morse and wife, Deborah, of Anderson, South Carolina, Duff Morse and wife, Luann, of Rockingham, David Morse and wife, Toni, of Sanford, Bo Morse of Rockingham, Matt Morse and wife, Julie, of Rockingham; a daughter, Carolyn “Sissy” Fisher-Davis and husband, James, of Matthews; 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and four on the way.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall at First Methodist Church of Rockingham. The funeral service for Mr. Morse will follow the visitation in the church sanctuary at 2: p.m. with the Rev. Darrel Bowles, the Rev. Allison Farrah, and the Rev. Thomas Greene officiating.
The family would like to thank the entire team of Liberty Home Care & Hospice for their compassionate and attentive care given to their dad, especially his CNA Paris Jones. They would also like to thank the staff at Family Pharmacy.
Memorials may be made to the Richmond Co. Humane Society, 529 W US Hwy. 74 Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Morse family.
