Raymond D. Morton, Sr.

Celebrating the Life of Raymond D. Morton, Sr.

There comes a time in everyone’s life

when we must depart from those we love. 

That time came suddenly for Raymond on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

Raymond was born on March 20, 1950 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Henrietta Mae Morton.

Raymond was baptized as a child at First Baptist Church of Penn Hills, PA, and later joined Ebenezer Baptist Church in Pittsburgh.  His elementary and secondary educations were in the Penn Hills School System. It was during these years that Raymond began his passion for all sports. He attended Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education.  Raymond continued his postgraduate studies and earned his Master of Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

While at Cheyney University, Raymond met his future wife, Joan Nelson. In 1973, Raymond and Joan were married and they shared more than 47 years together.  Of this union, two children were born, Jamella and Ray Jr.

Raymond began his professional career as a high school teacher who taught African American History and Social Studies in the Pittsburgh Public School System.  He also taught middle school and high school Social Studies in the East Allegheny School District. During his tenure he was promoted to serve first as an assistant principal and then as principal. He championed school safety policies and procedures to ensure the safety of his staff, students, and parents. He retired from the East Allegheny School District in 2015.

Raymond also worked for several years in corporate positions.  He was a commercial lines underwriter for Travelers Insurance Company and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own business, Steel City T’s, a garment printing business.

In 2018, Raymond and Joan relocated to Atlanta, GA. Keeping with his desire to stay involved with his community, he thoroughly embraced his new community and was elected treasurer of the Union Crossing Homeowner’s Association in 2020.

Raymond was a long-time supporter of the Children and Adults Developmental Agency Programs (CADA), where he was a member of the board of directors and served as the secretary and educational consultant.  He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity - Beta Gamma Chapter and the 307 Social Club. He was also a lifetime member of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association and a charter member of the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC.

Raymond coached little league baseball in the Homewood-Brushton area. He played softball in the Pittsburgh Federation Softball League on championship teams such as Your Place Lounge, Real Faces, and Monk and Barbs. Raymond was a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers fan and he fulfilled a lifetime dream by attending Super Bowl XLV (Steelers vs. Packers) with his brother Theodore.

Raymond was a basketball official and received an award for his 31 years of membership in the Pittsburgh Urban Officials Association (PUOA). He held the positions of president and treasurer, and he was the state representative for rules interpreter for Pittsburgh Urban and District 8. He was a Big East college official for four years and a member of the Collegiate Basketball Tri-State Association for 20 years. Raymond was inducted into the Willie Stargell Hall of Fame in 2017. Raymond initiated a Thanksgiving Food Drive and Delivery Program for residents in the Pittsburgh and North Versailles areas. He rallied members from the PUOA and other civic-minded men in this endeavor. Raymond was in the process of writing a book highlighting the history and contributions of the PUOA.

Raymond took great pride in mentoring both the young and the old. During his time with us, he took on the role as father figure, uncle, older brother, counselor, therapist, and friend.

Raymond’s family was his center. 

These were the things that brought him the most joy:

Having the short and long phone conversations;

Finding the special place along the river on Allegheny River Boulevard to pass on words of wisdom;

Teaching a 15-year old to drive;

Witnessing a sporting event by his son or daughter, grandchildren, niece or nephew – win or lose;

Wrestling on the floor with children and grandchildren;

Sitting, talking, and laughing at the kitchen table for hours;

Being someone’s “eye in the sky” when they were driving long distances;

Helping to move your children from one apartment to another, or one state to another;

Watching the youngest members of the family grow into productive citizens – and knowing this tradition will carry on through the generations;

And with the wife he loved:

Listening to music, going to concerts, watching NFL games,

hosting BBQs, traveling the world, and having the faith that

 God would lead and guide them.

Raymond will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.  He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Joan; two children, Jamella of Pittsburgh, PA and Ray Jr. (Catherine) of Manassas, VA; three grandchildren, Khai, Charlotte, and Madelynn; one sister, Margaret (Atlanta, GA) and two brothers, Theodore (Atlanta, GA) and Dennis (Norfolk, VA), and a host of relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2001 Wylie Ave, Pittsburgh, PA. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at 11:00 am.  The burial will be private. 

                                                              To access the zoom broadcast of the funeral service: 

                                                                      https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86848167551

                                                                                Meeting ID: 868 4816 7551

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Raymond’s name to the Atlanta Community Food Bank (www.acfb.org or 404-892-9822) or the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (www.pittsburghfoodbank.org or 412-460-3663).

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