By SEMA Editors
 Lt. Col. Charles E. Morrison Jr. |
Lt. Col. Charles E. Morrison Jr. (Ret.), 86, of LaPlata, Maryland, died peacefully at home with loved ones September 7, 2018. Morrison was born January 25, 1932, in Bronxsville, New York, to Margaret (Blair) and Charles E. Morrison Sr. He served with distinction for more than 21 years in the United States Air Force, earning many medals, including two Purple Hearts, Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and an AF Commendation Medal. As a USAF pilot, he flew the B-47 during the Cold War. As Squadron Commander, he flew the O-1 Bird Dog on FAC missions over North Vietnam. He was a proud member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (River Rats). After his military career, he enjoyed much success with his son and grandsons in various family businesses, including Truck’n America. Morrison was also one of the founding members of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), formerly known as the Truck Cap and Accessory Association (TCAA).
Morrison is survived by his wife of 65 years Starley (Hunsberger) Morrison; son Charles E. Morrison III (Mary); daughters Mary Morrison Seymour (Bill), Sarah Morrison Demirkan (Nuhan) and Nancy Morrison Fiorile (George); grandchildren Charles IV, Daniel, Kelly, Katherine, John, Rauf, Reis, Selim, Mary and Michael; great-grandchildren Riley, Rachel, Daniel, Jacob, Charles V and Molly; and brother Robert A. Morrison of Vandalia, Michigan.
Memorial services with full military honors are pending at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: Air Warrior Courage Foundation, where he served on the Board (awcf@airwarriorcourage.org, 301-588-3283): P.O. Box 877, Silver Spring, MD 20918. Online condolences to the family can be shared at www.arehartechols.com.