Dr. Hugh Maxwell Morrison, Jr., 91, of Southern Pines, NC died peacefully on November 5, 2022 at FirstHealth Hospice House. Born in Wilmington, NC and raised in Wallace, NC, Max was the only child of Hugh Maxwell Morrison and Mary Cavanaugh Morrison.
He attended Wallace High School, Davidson College, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, graduating in 1957. After an internship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an ophthalmology residency at the University of North Carolina, Max served in the Navy as an LCDR USNR medical corps ophthalmologist in Charleston, South Carolina. In August of 1959, Max married Myrtis B. Johnson of Red Springs, NC. For nearly forty years, 1963-2002, he practiced ophthalmology in Moore County, NC where he made many valuable contributions to the medical community, including establishment of the Pinehurst Medical Clinic. Max was a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of numerous professional organizations. He served two terms as president of the Moore County Medical Society and was President of the Medical Staff at Moore Regional Hospital (now FirstHealth).
Max was a true Southern gentleman and Renaissance man, an expert in many areas, from architecture, gardening, and hunting, to church work and community service. He enjoyed raising bird dogs, bird hunting, and golfing in Moore County. He was an avid gardener, and “Max’s Tomatoes” were even featured in an edition of the Pine Straw Magazine. Rooting camellias was a prolific hobby, and he grew some 150 varieties of camellia plants, developing a cold-hardy cultivar aptly named, Max’s Seedling. The Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, and the Town of Southern Pines were among the many recipients of his prize camellias.
Max accomplished much in his 91 years, but he always made it a priority to give back to his community. He frequently volunteered at the Free Medical Clinic in Carthage and was a loyal member of the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills and the St. Andrews Society. A member of Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church for nearly sixty years, he served as a deacon and a member of the session. He also enjoyed music and sang bass in the Chancel Choir for several decades. Max was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, known for his wisdom, honesty, loyalty, and dry wit.
Max was predeceased by his parents and by his daughter, Elizabeth Morrison Barron (Chuck). He is survived by his devoted wife, Myrtis Johnson Morrison; his daughters, Mary Anne Morrison Johnson (David) of Asheville, NC, and Jean Maxwell Morrison of Southern Pines, NC; and his grandchildren, Alice and Aubrey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, 251 Campground Road, West End, NC 27376; Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 330 South May Street, Southern Pines, NC 28387; or The Elizabeth Morrison Barron Memorial Art Scholarship, c/o The Sandhills Community College Foundation, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374. A private memorial service will be held for the immediate family. Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
