James "Greg" Gregory Morton

James Gregory "Greg" Morton passed away in his home on September 19, 2026 after an eight-year battle with early onset Alzheimer's. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers and just a week short of his 72nd birthday

Greg was born and raised in South Knoxville in Tennessee, just a few miles from his beloved Neyland Stadium. His early life was filled with family and friends, who are still cherished today. Greg's sister, Kim, was his partner in fun and dearest friend. Greg was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Frieda, as well as several much loved aunts and uncles, who will be glad to see him again in heaven. A portion of Greg's extended family, included his cousin/brother, Dr. Mark Green and his sisters Jeanie, Melinda and Teresa who provided a happy, supportive and fun-loving foundation for his life. Neighborhood friends like Russ Trotter and high school friends including Tricia Morlock, were early consistent sources of laughter and love. You can't overestimate the value of faith, family and friends in the development of a full life.

Greg spent a few years after high school finding his footing, growing his hair long and working at the Record Bar. Realizing that there was more to life, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee (UT, the real one). He spent the next eight years studying engineering and working part time jobs as a custodian and electrician's apprentice to put himself through school. He used to jokingly say he was the "oldest living undergraduate alive." After finally graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, he accepted a job with Westinghouse in Chicago. He left his soon-to-be fiancé, Carolyn, behind in Knoxville so she could complete her degree at UT.

Westinghouse was a great training ground allowing Greg to learn about business, sales and the electrical industry. Chicago also taught him about cold weather, busses and city living. Greg and Carolyn married in 1982 and were enjoying life near Lake Michigan with a great circle of friends and working in the Loop. By 1984, Greg was done with snow, the lack of SEC sports and paying a fortune for parking. Fortunately, Westinghouse moved them to Atlanta.

Atlanta would be Greg's home for his remaining years. After gathering the professional knowledge necessary, he launched GM Electrical Sales, Inc. in 1989. Greg's entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic created a successful business that focused on honesty, integrity and strong personal relationships with his customers and manufacturers. Greg remained in close contact with many friends whom he first met through his 30 plus years in business.

Greg had a lifelong passion for music and golf. He joined Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta and enjoyed thirty years of camaraderie, frustration with his game and a satisfying hole-in-one on #8. Greg's friend Pete Cornish was a steady companion until he moved to Boston. Ahmed, JJ, Larry and Roger were the "golf guys" who allowed him to continue playing despite his advancing Alzheimer's. The club community was supportive and caring throughout.

Greg was an excellent guitarist until arthritis damaged his fingers. He passed on his love of music to his son, Taylor, who is a church organist, and is currently pursuing his Master's in Sacred Music. Taylor was born in 1998 and became the center of his parent's world. Greg was anxious to teach his son the important things in life: faith, family, friends, music and of course, golf.

Morningside Presbyterian Church has been the family's church home for more than thirty years. Greg served as a Deacon and Elder and was instrumental in multiple property projects, building Habitat Houses, going to Haiti on a mission trip and supporting the church in times of want and of plenty.

Greg loved to travel especially with extended family. He and Carolyn enjoyed trips off the beaten path with her brother David and his wife Brenna: Egypt, Yellowstone, the Redwoods, Italy, France, Great Britain, Tanzania, Hawaii, and St Thomas served as settings for their incredible journeys. He held dearly his joyful, relaxing beach trips in Florida with his beloved niece Sarah, her husband Jack and their sons, Jack and Hayes.

Throughout his life and especially during his illness, Greg was supported by friends, neighbors, the church family, business associates and a loving family.

A Celebration of Greg's Life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 2pm at Morningside Presbyterian Church, 1411 N Morningside Dr., Atlanta with a reception to follow at the church.

Thanks be to God for a life well lived.

Go Vols!