Willie James Morgan's Obituary
On Thursday, March 28, 2024, Willie James Morgan was called from labor to reward. He was born in Gates, Tennessee on September 1, 1944, to the union of Lenter T. & Lucy Mae Virginia Morgan. Willie was the oldest son of five children. He accepted Christ at an early age. Throughout grammar school and high school, Willie worked with his father and grandfather picking cotton and learning hands-on; how to build/renovate homes. When he did not have a hammer in his hand, he played baseball. He will always be known as the young man who hit the baseball over the high school to win the championship in 1962; that same year Willie graduated from Halls Consolidated High School with a Building Trades Certification.
Willie grew up with and married “THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE” Laura (Lacy) Morgan on December 26, 1967. To this union 3 children were born, and they loved being a blended family of 7, to include Willie’s 2 older children. Seeking and wanting more for himself and family, they migrated to Jackson, Michigan in 1966. His faith journey led him to unite with Lily Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully until his death, under the leadership of Pastor James L Hines. Over the years, Willie served in various ministries of the church: usher, security in partnership with his wife, trustee, and food preparation for various church and mission center functions.
Shortly after arriving in Michigan, he began employment at The Malleable/Hayes-Albion Corporation/Harvard Industries in Albion, Michigan; as a General Laborer while enhancing his skillset to become a Heavy Lift Crane Operator. Making utilization of his Building Trades Certification while carrying on the family tradition, Willie maintained full time employment in synchrony with his own business “Willie Morgan Remodeling”. He was prominent for roofing, window and water heater installation, building decks, room additions, concreting driveways, etc. You name it, HE could do it! If he couldn’t, he would gracefully refer you to the most qualified candidate who could!
Due to unforeseen circumstances related to his full-time position of 35 years, Willie was forced to make a career change and began working for the State of Michigan – Department of Corrections as a contingent Maintenance Worker.
With God’s Grace along with enlightenment and career guidance from First Lady Elect Sis. Leontyne Hines, he received a permanent full-time position as a Regional Maintenance Worker. Willie obtained a multitude of certifications that enabled him to raise his classification ranking. He retired from this role after 20 years of service. When Willie was not being a full time employee or had a hammer in his hand, he enjoyed his 2 favorite hobbies: bowling and riding his motorcycles. In his bowling career, he participated in local leagues and in several out-of-state tournaments resulting in one perfect 300 game! In Willie’s younger motorcycle riding days, he was a member of the Flint Eagles Motorcycle Club (Albion Chapter). In his more seasoned riding days, he became a member of the Boogie Down Motorcycle Club (Jackson Chapter). He along with his loving wife, Laura and friends have rode all over the continental United States. In his early 70’s he rode all the way to California and back!
Never one to sit still, Willie later took up four new hobbies: FISHING, COOKING FISH, DOOR DASHING, and VOTING POLL WORKER! He found so much joy, happiness, and serenity sailing on the Seven Chain of Lakes in Jackson County, that he never bowled or rode his motorcycle again. His favorite food, was simply EVERYTHING! (With exception to his mother’s homemade tri-layer coconut cake, that she would freeze and ship to him the next day, this tradition was carried on by his baby sister). Willie and his wife Laura also took great pride in throwing the biggest cookouts with an extensive menu; he enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Willie was no stranger, he became a friend to whomever he came in contact with. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Willie was preceded in death by: grandfather; Bennie Strayhorn, grandmother; Evie Strayhorn, Father; Lenter T. Morgan, Mother; Lucy May Virginia Morgan, brother; Joe Lenter Morgan, Daughter; Leigh Marchel Morgan, and Son; Dante Fernando Morgan.
Willie is survived by his Loving Wife of 56+ years Laura Morgan, Son: Derrick Quinn Morgan, Daughters: Juanita Evette Morgan and Danielle Koren Morgan. (4) Grandchildren: Shia Andrea-Kia Ann Capri Pitts, Cara Cierra Morgan, Derrick Antoine Morgan, and Darius James Morgan; (3) Great Grandchildren: Jordynn Alivia Pitts, Jaida Alexandria Pitts, and Layannah Daniel Morgan; (3) Sisters: Evelyn Joyce Carter, Dorice Loretta (Charles) Love, and baby sister Janice Aniece Morgan, Special Uncle Bennie Frank, a host of nieces and nephews. Special friends; J. Louis, Charles Estelle, and Eric Baldwin.
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