Hayward Lee Morrison, 86, passed away peacefully at Hospice Wendover House in Shelby on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 20, 1938, in Wadesboro, NC, he was the son of the late Benjamin Newton Morrison and Eva Ozella Kelley Morrison. Hayward was preceded in death by his daughter, Sally Ann Morrison, and son-in-law, Jeff Lassiter. He was also preceded by his siblings: Benjamin Woodham Morrison, Annie Mary Morrison, Christine Morrison Dennis, Dewey Franklin Morrison, Nancy Morrison Hardin, Jackie Curtis Morrison, Mildred Louise McInville, and Hattie Mae Morrison Bailey.

In his 35 years of dedicated pulpit ministry, he devoted his life to guiding and supporting others, always prioritizing their needs above his own. His commitment to service extended beyond the church, as demonstrated by his 15 years as an adjunct chaplain at Atrium Hospital in Shelby. Throughout his career, he had the privilege of ministering to 15 different churches across Western North Carolina, leaving a lasting impact on each community he served.

Hayward is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha Melvin Morrison, two daughters, Brenda Morrison Buckner (Terry) and Susan Morrison Lassiter, as well as his brother Gary Morrison (Carolyn), six grandchildren, Dave Noland (Sara), Heather Phillips (Brandon), Lee Morrison (Lisa Cook), Amber Tickle (Sam), Anna Panek (Logan) and Emma Lassiter (Zach). Also left to cherish his memory are 14 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and many loving nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Shelby with Rev. Carrie Carpenter officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall. A private burial will be held at East View Cemetery in Wadesboro, NC.

Memorial donation may be made in his memory to The Life Enrichment Center of Shelby, NC: 110 Life Enrichment Blvd, Shelby, NC 28150

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.