Joseph Lyman Morse Jr.

Born on January 21, 1948 in Manchester, NH to Joseph Lyman Morse and Helen Emma (Humason) Schrader, Skip was the eldest of five, a loving husband, a dedicated father of two, and a proud grandfather to two.

After leaving the Navy, Skip spent the early part of his career in the private sector at companies including Raytheon and Nortel Networks. He finished his career in federal civil service at the Army Research Office. He earned his business degree from New Hampshire College shortly before relocating to North Carolina with his wife Barbara and two young daughters, Katie and Erin.

Skip had a gift for making people feel at ease and was a friend to everyone he met — including total strangers. He was an avid golfer, bowler, pinochle player, and deer hunter (for a few seasons, at least). He coached his daughters’ T-ball and soccer teams, served as an usher at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, and organized golf tournaments in both the Shepherd’s Vineyard and Carolina Preserve subdivisions.

After retiring from the Army Research Office, Skip and Barbara explored new places including Ireland, Italy, Alaska, Gibraltar, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean. At home, Skip enjoyed cross-stitching, cooking, reading fiction, and taking care of his grandchildren.

Skip is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Barbara Ann Morse, daughters Katie and Erin Morse, daughter-in-law Paige Morse, grandchildren Emmalyn and Jameson Morse, and brother Don Morse. Skip was predeceased by his parents Joseph Morse and Helen Schrader, as well as brothers Rick, Rodney, and Gary Morse.

The funeral service for Skip Morse will be held on April 7, 2026 at Mother Teresa Catholic Church, 1125 Mother Teresa Way in Cary, NC. Visitation will be at 10:30am followed by Mass at 11:00am. He will be laid to rest in the Memorial Garden at the church immediately following Mass.

In lieu of flowers you may make a contribution to your favorite charity or to the charity researching the rare blood cancer that Skip had. He had AL-amyloidosis and their website is: www.donate.arci.org.