Royce Lee Morgan Sr.

Royce Lee Morgan, Sr., 83, of Kannapolis, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his residence, with his family by his side.

Royce was born November 2, 1942, in Cabarrus County, the son of the late Royce C. Morgan and Ethel L. Eudy Morgan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a baby sister; his beloved wife of 62 years, Barbara Parker Morgan, lovingly known as “Carolina Star”; his sons, Bobby Lee Morgan and Royce “Lee” Morgan; and his daughter, Brenda Lee Oliver.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Leann Morgan of Kannapolis; his three granddaughters, Shana Mullis (Chris) of China Grove, Sonya Steger of Kannapolis, and Anabel Morgan of Harrisburg; and his four great-granddaughters, Rayleigh, McKinley, Brynnlee, and Brantlee.

Royce was a lifelong resident of the area and a faithful member of Wil-mar Park Baptist Church and previously, Central Baptist Church. He dedicated his life to truck driving, giving 34 years of service for Food Lion, retiring in 2018. Known on the CB radio as “Lightbulb,” Royce was honored as a 2 million mile safe driver, a reflection of his dedication, meticulous skill, and steady presence on the road. In the early 2000s, Royce and his son Bobby also worked part-time for Whitley’s.

Royce loved life behind the wheel. Whether it was long hauls across the highway, cruising on a golf cart through Ocean Lakes Family Campground, or driving friends and family (sometimes hours away) just to try a new restaurant, he found joy in the journey as much as the destination.

A man of deep faith, Royce loved his family fiercely. He took great pride in being a father and “Pawpaw” to all of “his girls,” cherishing every moment spent with them. He created lasting bonds that will never be broken. Above all, he loved his beautiful bride, Barbara (Carolina Star on the CB). Their love story, spanning 62 years, was one of unwavering devotion. Against all odds, they built a legacy rooted in faith, filled with love and laughter. The world said they’d never make it, but love proved they would.

A graveside service to celebrate Royce’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Carolina Memorial Park Plaza Mausoleum, with Rev. David Wilson officiating. His family will receive friends at the graveside following the committal.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Royce’s legacy by waving at a trucker and spending time with your loved ones and sharing a meal together, just as he loved to do.

Whitley’s Funeral Home is serving the Morgan family.