Committal
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ernest “Ernie” Wilson Morgan, a beloved science teacher and passionate space and flying enthusiast. Ernie left this world on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, inspiration, and a love for discovery that touched the lives of countless students and colleagues.
Born in Valdese, NC on December 8th, 1944, Ernie had a lifelong passion for science, aviation and exploring that began at an early age. He spent his early years of education in Department of Defense Educational System in Morocco, Germany, and Spain. Ernie received his pilot license and drove on a scooter from Morocco up through Eastern Europe when he was 16 years of age. He graduated High School in Morocco and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Appalachian State University, he embarked on a rewarding career as a teacher at Morganton Junior High School for 20 years, where he shared his love of science with his students. He spent most of his teaching years teaching his favorites, Seventh and Ninth Grade Physical Science and Chemistry. He had an impact on molding the minds of young teens and mentored them to work hard in continuing their education after they finished school. Ernie and his friend Herb Stevens started the EEE Program (known as the North Carolina Outward Bound School) to teach children how to enjoy the outdoors and important wilderness survival skills. In 1984, Ernie was one of the two selected to be North Carolina’s representative of Teacher in Space Project (TISP) which was a NASA program announced by Ronald Reagan designed to inspire students and spur interest in mathematics, science, and space exploration. The project would carry teachers into space as a non-astronaut civilian. Ernie returned to the classrooms and shared his experience with his students and his children to continue the interest of science for generations.
Ernie was a true adventurer and entrepreneur. He founded Table Rock Spring Water Co in Morganton NC. The company started by selling a few bottles of mountain spring water from his mother’s sink to becoming a successful bottled water company. He spent many years delivering water and managing customer relationships with distributors. Ernie spent his retirement traveling to Eastern Europe and exploring his passion of flying ultralight paragliders and gliders. He was a member of Lower Creek Airport Aviation Club since 1994, where he taught other paragliding enthusiasts in 2012 how to fly at minimal costs to keep the love of aviation alive. He was known for his engaging lessons, comical enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to flying. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, who loved his family deeply.
Ernie was preceded in death by his father Ernest Milford Morgan; a wonderful father, survived by his mother, Louise Powell Morgan; two daughters, Yasmina Morgan Nicholas (Matthew Nicholas) and Phyllis Ann Morgan Clendenen, and grandchildren Hayden Ralph Nicholas, Isabelle Morgan Clendenen and Knox Alexander Clendenen.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home.
He will be deeply missed by his students, colleagues, and everyone whose life he touched. In honor of his memory, the family requests that donations be made to Christa McAuliffe Charter School (mcauliffecharter.org/donate).
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.” – Albert Einstein
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Ernest “Ernie” Wilson Morgan.
I met Ernie as a fellow teacher in space, and we had a great and long friendship. We traveled together to the Bahamas , Morocco and backpacked across Eastern Europe together. I visited him numerous times in Morganton and he took me flying on his powered hang glider. Yas has done a great job caring for him. Rest in peace Ernie.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my longtime friend, Ernie. His life was an inspiration to all who knew him. We had many exciting experiences together, that are treasured memories for me. Our development of the Ecological, Environmental, Education (Tripplet E) Program, ( Not affiliated with the North Carolina Outward Bound School ), was one of the highlights of my life. It used experience-based teaching methods based on the N. C. O. B. S. model. Ernie’s passing is a great loss for all who knew him. Rest in peace, my friend. Herb Stevens
Loved and looked forward every day to Mr. Morgan's Science Class when taught under him at Morganton Junior High. His unique personality and zeal will never be forgotten! My Conductance to his family. Am sure it must be painful.
God bless you, Ernie. You were the best teacher I ever worked with.
Mr. Morgan was a inspiration to all of his students. He showed us how to make water in class! There was a big boom in that lesson! He also encouraged us to participate in the exchange of a million dogwood tree seeds with Japanese students! I picked so many dogwood seeds that summer. I brought in bags crammed full of the little red berries to him for the exchange program. He always gave me something to think about after his class. His classes were never dull! I also had the opportunity to be his TA . This ment I sent the entire class grading papers and listening to his other class! It gave me pride having the privilege to be his TA for a quarter! Rest in peace as you soar Mr. Morgan
Ernie Morgan was a truly wonderful person. He was a good friend, a kind soul. His love for life was a source of inspiration to those around him. He was a loving and devoted father who took wonderful care of his children. His kindness and intelligence will be deeply missed. I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Ernie."
Ernie was an exceptional educators. His enthusiasm for science was contagious. I was privileged to be in the classroom when he did his student teaching at Morganton High. We became good friends when he worked with the EEE program and fortunately remained friends. I will truly miss having great conversations which always taught me something new and exciting. Thanks Ernie for many years of friendship. May you rest in peace!
Mr. Morgan was an extraordinary man and teacher. I had the privilege of being in his 9th grade Science class in 1986, and I’ll never forget watching the space shuttle launch with him and my classmates in the MJHS library. The moment the shuttle exploded, the look of utter disbelief on his face is etched in my memory. He was one of the two teacher finalists chosen out of North Carolina with the chance to be on that shuttle. We were all so proud of him! His passion for exploration and learning was truly inspiring. I remember his infectious energy and creativity; like the time he dressed up with a proton pack and glowing red contacts, just like the Ghostbusters, for movie day in the auditorium. He had a gift for making learning fun and left a lasting impact on everyone he taught. Rest well, Mr. Morgan. I know you’re in Heaven now, among the stars you loved so deeply. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know you. My deepest condolences to his family❤️🙏❤️
