David Francis Morrow

Dr. David Francis Morrow, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and minister, stepped into Glory on the evening of February 22, 2025. Even in his final days, David was a servant of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, sharing love and godly wisdom with those around him.

David was born in Albemarle, NC on March 26, 1934. He attended Mars Hill University (NC), where God laid a call to ministry on his heart. He earned degrees from Wake Forest University (NC), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (NC), and ultimately earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky. While serving as an interim pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Oakboro, NC, he met and married the love of his life, Sue Barbee. Together they served thousands of church members, neighbors, and communities throughout his 70+ years of ministry. David was not just a great preacher, he was a true shepherd to the congregations he served, which included: Philadelphia Baptist Church (Stanfield, NC), South Albemarle Baptist Church (NC), First Baptist Church of Whitesburg (KY), First Baptist Church of Red Springs (NC), Old Town Baptist Church (Winston-Salem, NC), and McGill Avenue Baptist Church (Concord, NC). He also served as an interim pastor at numerous other churches and, following his retirement, was an active member of First Baptist Church of Matthews (NC). He served NC Baptists in many leadership roles, including a term as Chairman of the Board of Baptist Children’s Homes of NC. He was passionate about generously supporting the Mission Dignity Ministry of Southern Baptists, which provides financial assistance to retired pastors and their widows who struggle to make ends meet in their sunset years.

David’s calling extended beyond congregational ministry. He was keenly adept at recognizing God’s gifts and talents in others. Using his own gift of encouragement, he enabled others to maximize those skills and talents for the glory of God. He encouraged and mentored many others in ministry roles, including his son-in-law, John Butler, his grandson, Joseph Morrow, and his grandson-in-law, Brandon Hibbard. A gifted artist, writer, craftsman, photographer, and pilot, David was a modern renaissance man. He inspired artistry in his family, collaborating with his daughter, Kristi, to illustrate the first two books in her children’s book series. His love of flying inspired his son, Joe Morrow, and grandson, Daniel Morrow, to pursue aviation careers, and his granddaughter, Melea Butler is presently in flight school. 

Even when his health necessitated a move to assisted living, David began ministry anew at the Windsor Run Community, sharing God’s love through Bible studies, constant encouragement, and prayer over staff and residents. His favorite verse, Psalm 115:1, “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory…” illustrates his humble approach to ministry. All of us who have been blessed by his life’s work are rejoicing that he is now at rest in his Savior’s arms, having lived a full life as a “good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:23).

David is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Kathryn Sue Morrow, his children Kristi Butler (John) and Joe Morrow (Marci), 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. A service celebrating his life and ministry will be held Friday, February 28th, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Oakboro, NC at 2:00 pm. The service will be preceded by a family visitation hour at 1 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mission Dignity Fund of NC Baptists at 205 Convention Drive, Cary, NC 27511.