David Robert Morrell

HARRISBURG, NORTH CAROLINA

November 5, 1947 – December 15, 2019

David Robert Morrell, 72, of Harrisburg, NC passed away peacefully in his home on December 15, 2019. His service dog, Ryan, provided him with comfort and companionship up to the very end.  David, known as “IHop” by friends and family, was born on November 5, 1947, to John and Virginia Morrell, in Pottstown, PA.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John Morrell, and over 58,200 brothers and sisters whose names can be found on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.  He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law John and Carmen Morrell, of PA, with two grandsons, Christian and Trevor.  He is also survived by his sister, Sara Petty, sister-in-law Barbara Morrell, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and service dog, Ryan, who is now retired and living with his son, John. And, of course, countless friends (as he never met a stranger), and anyone that can claim the title of veteran.

While proudly serving his country as a Special Forces soldier in the US Army, during the Vietnam War, David was the recipient of the Silver Star for his bravery and valor during combat operations, in which he saved many lives.  He also received a Bronze Star for exceptional leadership, bravery, and honorable service during his multiple deployments to Vietnam.

David was well known for a great sense of humor, giving himself the nickname “IHop” after a leg amputation in 2006.  Not one to miss an opportunity for a joke, he was known to make even more jokes after a second amputation years later.

David had a passion for motorcycles, and serving other veterans.  He was able to combine the two passions by being a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, which enabled him to provide support and comfort to many families of fallen service members.

He was also extremely active with, and most proud of his involvement with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, where he forged many friendships with his brethren, while continuing to raise money for several veteran organizations that were committed to helping veterans of all generations, one of which being Purple Heart Homes, who he was very dedicated to promoting and contributing to.

IHop’s funeral service, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Associaton, will start with a large motorcycle procession from Chard Place, in the Rocky River Crossing community, in Harrisburg, NC, leaving promptly at 12:45 PM on Friday, February 7, 2020, proceeding to the National Cemetery in Salisbury, where his ashes will be interned after a funeral service at 2:00PM that day. This service is open to the public, and all who have known, or were touched, by IHop are welcome to join the procession, in motorcycle or car.

David was respectfully cremated by the Cremation Society of Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, David’s family requests donations in memory of “IHop” be made to Purple Heart Homes by clicking on the following link: https://purplehearthomesusa.org/donate/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1Mvx2sCi5wIVDpSzCh2ACAriEAAYASAAEgJDgPD_BwE

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