Insider's Corner: Richard & Belinda Morrison

Richard and Belinda Morrison, ages 86 and 84 respectively, relocated to Wilmington after Richard Morrison retired from Eli Lilly and Company in 1994, a 30-year career that allowed the couple to live in eight countries. Richard Morrison’s experience managing business in more than 70 countries during his time with Eli Lilly opened the door for his second career in Wilmington, where he taught management and international business full time for the University of Wilmington North Carolina’s Cameron School of Business for 18 years. In addition to boating, a longtime hobby of the couple, the Morrisons are active with their church and enjoy frequent visits from their four children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Hometowns: Gowrie, Iowa, and Carthage, Texas

Any professional work that you still do now? “Richard is still on one corporate software board and still involved with UNCW in the international arena.”

How long have you lived in the Wilmington area? “We have been in the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area for 36 years.”

Why did you choose to retire here? “We came here to visit friends who were living in Lions Gate in 1986 and we loved the area, so we bought our vacation home shortly after that visit.”

What community activities are you involved in? “We are members of Seapath Yacht Club and The Surf Club, enjoying boating and social activities.”

What do you recommend for others moving here who want to be involved with the community? “We both highly recommend water-associated activities and encourage others to be involved in boating, etc.”

Any restaurant picks? “South Beach Grill for seafood, Roko Italian Cuisine for Italian, The Surf Club for great meals.”

Favorite spots of any kind in the region? “The beach at Wrightsville Beach; Wilson Center and Thalian Hall; restaurants mentioned above; our church, Wrightsville United Methodist Church.”