Morse was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Mary Louise (née Lee) and Harold Schwartz, who later moved to Arizona.

While he was a friend and adviser to captains of industry, presidents and heads of state, he never lost focus on this community and making it the greatest retirement development in the world.

"[4] He was a close friend of former United States Surgical Corporation CEO Leon C. Hirsch,[6] and is the grandfather of actress Megan Boone.

Morse, his children, and The Villages have donated tens of thousands of dollars to the campaigns of Florida Governor, Rick Scott, and served as significant fundraisers for George W. Bush,[5] as well as Mitt Romney.

[14] Upon receiving news of his death, Scott and United States Senator Marco Rubio issued separate statements on Morse's vision and ultimate realization of The Villages.