Josh Morley remembered

HENDERSONVILLE – A soldier with family ties to the mountains died Sunday in Iraq leaving behind a wife and a daughter he never got to see.

Sgt. Joshua L. Morley, 22, was a sniper team leader with 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. He was killed in Samarra, Iraq, Sunday when insurgents using small arms fire and hand grenades attacked his unit, according to a release from the 82nd Airborne Division.

Morley leaves behind his wife, Kendra, and daughter, Alexis, who was born in April, said Irene Brevard, Morely’s aunt and a Hendersonville resident.

His father's parents and his wife's grandparents also live in the Hendersonville area.

“He was just an adorable kid growing up,” Brevard said. “Nobody couldn’t help but love him.”

Morley was born in Hendersonville, although his family was living in Fayetteville at the time. He would visit the area frequently to spend time with family here.

Morley’s father, Joe Morley, of Carthage, spent 23 years in the service and Josh felt a similar call to serve his country, Brevard said. He joined the Army in July 2004.

“During the last 12 months, he risked his life while participating in hundreds of combat operations with his sniper team against insurgent forces within the city of Samarra,” said Capt. Carlos Morales, Morley’s company commander. “His moral character, stalwart leadership and aggressive spirit will always be remembered. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Morley is also survived by his mother, Sara Morley, of Apex. His unit will hold a memorial service for him in Iraq.

From the Citizen Times

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Josh Morley reported killed in Iraq