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WAYNESVILLE, N.C. - Clay Johnson Morgan, a dedicated United Methodist Minister, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. 

He was born August 4, 1941, the oldest of four children born to Bain and Alice Morgan in the small community of Love Joy, outside of Troy.   Growing up he loved to fish, hunt squirrels and spending time with his family.  At the age of 12, at Love Joy Camp Meeting, he turned his life over to God and felt the calling to the ministry. 

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by a sister and brother. He leaves behind a sister, Ann Morgan Allen (Melvin) of Asheboro.

Aside from his professional achievements, Clay Morgan was known for his deep love for his family.  He cherished moments spent with his loved ones and always put family first. His warm and caring nature extended not only to his immediate family, but also to all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Clay was married to his loving wife Hazel King Morgan for 43 years and has three children: Kerri Morgan Mosley (Mike), Cherri Morgan Johnson (Joey), and Ryan Morgan (Casey).  He loved spending time with his six grandchildren: Mollie Johnson, Katie Johnson, Benjamin Mosley (Karianna), Jacob Mosley, Hunter Morgan and Braxton Morgan.  Clay’s legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Clay pursued his education with determination, earning a Master of Divinity from Duke University and a BA from Pfeiffer College.   Throughout his years of service, he exemplified unwavering devotion to his calling and community. 

He was a minister for 42 years, serving 2-years in the North Carolina conference and 40 in the Western North Carolina Conference.  The churches served were Little River United Methodist and Sardis United Methodist, both in the N.C. Conference; Table Rock (‘67), Nebo (‘69-‘73), Wesley Parish (‘73-‘81), Crouse/Pleasant Grove (‘81-‘89), St. Paul (Asheville, ‘89-‘95), Canton First (‘95-‘01), and Center United Methodist (Welcome ‘01-‘08). 

After retirement in 2008, he was a reading buddy at North Canton Elementary School, volunteered as a chaplain at Haywood Regional Hospital and was an active member of the Canton Lions Club. In addition, he served as chaplain and board-member at Haywood Christian Ministries as well as serving in an ongoing volunteer capacity. For a year he served as interim pastor at Plains United Methodist Church.  He was active in Canton First United Methodist Church (where he previously served as pastor for 8 years), regularly leading an adult Sunday School class, a devotion for weekly fellowship meals, and serving as emergency pastoral fill-in.  In addition, he was a regular in the Canton First Choir (living out Psalm 98 v.4, making a joyful noise to the Lord).

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Love Joy Church, Troy, N.C., with Pastor Casey Harris officiating.

A second Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Canton First United Methodist Church with Pastor Gordon Pike officiating.  Visitation will be held following the service until 5:30 p.m. at the church fellowship hall.   

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be given to Love Joy Church (1137 Substation Rd. Troy, NC 27371), Canton First United Methodist Church (155 Newfound St. Canton, NC 28716) or Haywood Christian Ministries (150 Branner Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786).      

A memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com

Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville, N.C. is serving the Morgan family.

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