Chuck went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 5, 2009 after a very long and painful battle with heart and lung disease.  His sister, NeVelda "Vel" (Morton) Smith submitted the following:

"We know God's perfect will was performed in Chuck's life and he is now at home with Him. It was amazing and beautiful to see the look of pain that he has worn for about 20 years…vanished.

Chuck was the son of Wesley and Gladys Morton. Our mom worked in the Northwest College library from '61 to '65. Chuck came to NC after 4 years in the Army and attended part time (64-67). Though he lived off campus, he made firm friendships that he often spoke of through the years. He was married to his wife Marsha for 32 years and had one daughter, Staci, and 3 grandchildren. Chuck was a gifted photographer of nature and loved to hike until his health failed. He said that if he had any real achievements in life, it was 27 years of sobriety, and having been given the privilege of being the best grandpa he knew how to be. He loved all of us very much and never, ever forgot to tell us.

The picture of Chuck and Staci is particularly special to me.  Staci had just about given up hope that her dad would live to be able to give her away…but his strength was renewed and he was so very proud of her."