Paul F. Morton II died peacefully in his Ponte Vedra Beach, FL home on June 9, 2024 at age 83 after battling cancer. Paul was born in Rochester, NY on March 5, 1941 to Paul F. Morton Sr. and Marie E. Jones. Unfortunately, when he was a toddler, Paul’s mother died in a car accident. Paul Sr. later married Helen Glassburn of Columbus, OH. Paul was active in youth sports including football, basketball, and baseball. At nine years old, Paul’s younger half-sister Ann died, then at 14, his father died of a heart attack. Paul worked to earn money at several jobs including a paper route and lifeguarding. Aunt Gladys (sister of Marie Jones) was instrumental in Paul attending and graduating from Manlius, a military school. Talented in several sports, Paul excelled at basketball and was recruited and played for the University of Florida in 1959. Paul took a hiatus from college and served a tour in the United States Army. He returned to the University of Florida and married the love of his life, Sandra Mae Clark. Paul finished his Gator basketball career as team captain. Paul began working as a professional pilot and joined TWA in 1970. Due to industry downturn, he turned to corporate aviation and was mentored by Stanley Dancer, a harness racing champion. He eventually joined Pfizer and became the chief pilot. His flight department and processes were featured as “best practices” in professional pilot magazines. Even after the adversity in his early life, Paul still lived the American Dream. A wonderful example of an earthly father; he worked hard, loved his wife and children, and made tough choices to lead his family well. Paul’s character was formed by camaraderie, competition, and skilled execution. Golf became his passion, his love of friends and of the game was obvious. Paul (Pop) also loved his grandchildren well. These young adults were always a source of joy for Pop; their trials as they matured, their academic and athletic successes, their chosen professions, and especially sharing time with them on Lake Champlain, VT. Paul was an avid reader and patriot, a wonderful patriarch to a thankful American family. Paul is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Sandy, and two older brothers, Phil Morton (Sally) and Lee Morton (Mary). Paul is survived by his children, Paul F Morton III (Heidi) and Christopher C Morton (Roxanne) and grandchildren (Paul and Heidi) Jack, Paige, and Wilson; (Chris and Roxanne) Sara Jane and Avery. Family and friends will celebrate Paul’s life on June 23, 2024.
