Ronald "Wade" Morton

Ronald Wade Morton, age 60, of King, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a lifetime of memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Born September 13, 1964, to Kathy Bennett Morton and Ronald Gary Morton, Wade was a man whose life reflected hard work, creativity, loyalty and a quiet but powerful kindness.

Wade was no stranger to hard work. His very first job was at Western Steer and from an early age, he showed the drive and independence that would define his life. As soon as he was old enough, he moved out on his own and began building a career in auto body repair, a craft that became both his profession and his passion. Wade worked for Modern Toyota for many years before joining Flow Honda of Winston-Salem in 2003 where he worked for 14 years as a Auto Body Technician. He then opened up his own auto body shop. His work was meticulous and he took pride in restoring vehicles to their best, always treating each job as if it were his own.

That same dedication carried over into his personal life. Over the years, Wade found joy in helping his mother, renovating and fixing things around her home if they needed attention or upgrading. It was in these moments that his heart for family truly shone. Wade deeply admired his father, Ronald G. Morton, a great man gone too soon whose values and character were passed on to Wade.

Wade had a gift for working with his hands, whether it was restoring a car, creating art through drawing or bringing life to a yard through landscaping and gardening. He loved being outdoors, enjoying the simple peace of fresh air and sunshine and watching things grow, whether it was a freshly planted garden, a restored car or a lasting friendship.

Music was another constant in Wade’s life. He was a devoted listener to Christian music that reflected his faith and hope but he also enjoyed a wide range of songs from other genres like country and classic rock.

He shared an unshakable bond with his friend and brother in life, Korey Valentine. They worked together, laughed together and stood by each other through every season of life. Wade was a loyal friend, a dependable presence and someone who would quietly go out of his way to help others. A simple man at heart, Wade never let materialistic things define him. He didn’t get worked up over the hurdles life placed in his path, instead brushing them off as something small meeting challenges with calm strength.

Wade is survived by his best friend and brother in life Korey Valentine, his brother, Jason Morton and sister-in-law, Jennifer Morton; his niece, Emma Morton; his aunts, Shelby Sutton and Jenny and Mike Smith of King; his uncle, Bruce Bennett of Canton, Georgia; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathy and Ronald Morton; grandparents, Reade and Lottie A. Bennett; and grandparents Paul and Pauline Morton.

Wade’s absence leaves an empty place in the hearts of those who knew him but his memory will live on in the lives he touched. His dedication, his faith and his quiet strength will never be forgotten. Those who loved him take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, reunited with his family in Heaven.

Personal Tribute:

Wade was the kind of person who didn’t have to say much for you to feel his love. He gave it through his actions, by showing up, by helping without being asked, by giving his time and his heart to those who needed him. He was a man who loved deeply, worked hard and laughed often. To know Wade was to know a steady and genuine soul, the kind of person who makes life better just by being there. His memory will forever be a reminder that the greatest legacy we can leave is love and kindness.