Ronald Key Morgan

Ronald Key Morgan (Ronnie), born March 22,1938 to Herman and Iris Burge Morgan, died peacefully at his home in Cullowhee, NC, June 28, 2026.

Born and raised in Memphis, he graduated from Messick High School in 1956. Shortly after graduation, he served in the United States Army in Korea, near the DMZ, as a Morse code operator. He then earned an undergraduate degree in 1964, followed by a Masters of Arts (MA) from the University of Memphis, and a PhD from the University of Tennessee.

Prior to graduate school, Ronnie lived and worked for a year in Munich, Germany. He was hired by Western Carolina University (WCU) in 1968. He remained at WCU until his retirement as Professor Emeritus in 2005. He was a beloved professor in the Modern Foreign Languages Department, teaching German language and literature. He was known as a dedicated mentor who took a genuine interest in his students’ success. Highlights of his career include starting the Intensive German Program, winning the College of Arts and Sciences Teaching Award in 1997, and mentoring several student Fulbright recipients.

Even after his retirement, Ronnie remained a familiar presence on campus. He enjoyed coffee with friends and students at the campus Starbucks, his garden, learning French, his frequent visits to Munich, and, in later years, his book group.

Ronnie was predeceased by his parents, his stepfather, Herman Weatherly, two sisters, Sue Younger and Barbara McClure, and brother, Sam Morgan. He is survived by his wife Hiddy, daughter Pam Morgan (Kevin Brown), son Chris Morgan (Lauren Thomas), sister Anita Mitchell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Four Seasons Hospice nurses Laura, Ashley, Samantha, and Dr. Hinton, all of whom helped make Ronnie feel more comfortable and loved in his final years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jim Lewis History Scholarship http://give.wcu.edu/lewis or your favorite charity.

"As virtuous men pass mildly away,  

And whisper to their souls to go, 

While some of their sad friends do say  

The breath goes now, and some say, No”

John Donne

Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva is honored to be caring for the Morgan family.