Converse Mourns the Loss of Dell Morgan

Richard Sidell “Dell” Morgan passed away on January 12, 2026. Dell’s smile, passion for music and singing, and his ability to make just about anyone laugh are the qualities nearly everyone has mentioned when asked how they remember Dell.

A prodigiously talented musician, Dell earned a music degree from Garner Webb University. Dell had the rare ability to play music by ear, without ever seeing the sheet music for it — all the while holding casual conversations with others while playing. In 1998, Dell recorded 9 gospel and contemporary Christian songs in Nashville.

Hired by Converse University in 2007, Dell was quick to make friends not only in Mickel Library, but all throughout campus. President Boone Hopkins said, “Dell loved to connect and found such joy in the small conversations between meetings and in connections within our Converse community.”

“He spent his life uplifting people through laughter, conversation, sharing his talents, and love.”

Wendi Arms

Associate Music Librarian and Teacher of Voice Wendi Arms echoed this sentiment. She said, “Dell’s ability to connect with people may have been his most admirable trait! He wanted to get to know people by asking questions, listening, and remembering things that were important. He spent his life uplifting people through laughter, conversation, sharing his talents, and love.”

Dell brought these gifts to much of the Spartanburg community. A talented vocalist and passionate pianist, he shared his talents at Holy Communion Lutheran Church and directed the Carolina Community Chorus. Arms shared, “He thoughtfully planned, practiced, and played with a heart for ministry and excellence. Directing the Carolina Community Chorus was a special delight of his later years, and he spent months planning programs for this group. The concerts under Dell’s leadership were always heartwarming and fun, and they were all well-attended.”

Many in the Converse community have had the honor of seeing Dell perform at various Converse events, from Holiday Cheer to Converse Employee Recognition Luncheons. Coordinator of Reference and Collections and Associate Librarian Mark Collier recalled being formally recognized for his 20th anniversary at Converse University during a luncheon.

“Dell was playing piano in the background at this event,” Collier shared. “When my name was called, being the mischievous little devil that he was, he subtly morphed the tune he’d been playing into my most hated song of all time, the Starland Vocal Band’s loathsome “Afternoon Delight!” And as he did this, he gave me that sly grin of his.”

Dell considered his co-workers and Converse students his honorary family members. Professor of Psychology Monica McCoy shared, “Dell cared deeply for Converse and the Converse community. He was fully committed to the students who worked with him in the library, and he went out of his way to make sure that they were happy both at work and beyond.

Sam Bagwell ’26, a student worker in Mickel Library, said that Dell was not just an excellent supervisor, but also a friend. “He cared immensely for his student-workers and treated us like family,” Sam said. “He was always happy to help in any way he could.”

Jazz Harper ‘26 also worked with Dell in Mickel Library and said the best part of the workday was when Dell would ask her to assist him on projects. “We would just talk about anything,” Jazz shared. “From musicals to school work, or sometimes just life things.”

“He cared immensely for his student-workers and treated us like family.” 

Sam Bagwell ’26

Dell’s penchant for humor carried him through life, particularly as he faced his own struggles. Many who visited him in the hospital spoke about Dell’s ability to make the best of the situation and even had the nurses laughing. Dr. McCoy shared that she stayed with Dell during a particularly challenging hospital procedure, and even through that challenge, he was making everyone in the room laugh. Dr. McCoy said, “Multiple members of his care team took the time to hug him before leaving the room; a testament to his ability to build relationships in any circumstances.”

A caregiver at heart, Dell cared for both of his parents, whom he loved dearly, as they faced health challenges. He was quick to support his friends, offering time and resources to ensure that those he loved were cared for. He consistently checked in with friends and family and let them know that he was thinking about them, particularly when they were going through a hard time. Nothing made Dell happier than spending time with the people he cared about; he always made sure to let others know how much joy they brought to his life. Even while he battled cancer, he felt compassion for others who were struggling.

Dr. Mirko Hall summed up Dell best when he said, “Dell was the heart and soul of the library. He was loved by everyone, especially the students. He was kind, compassionate, funny—and could acquire obscure library materials like no other.”

A memorial service will be held for Dell Morgan on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Spartanburg.