Rev. Robert Christy Morgan

Robert Christy Morgan, 90, died peacefully in his home on September 6, 2019. He was born in Marengo County, Alabama, on October 20, 1928, the sixth child of Leon Baines Morgan and Mamie Davis Morgan Hicks. He was married to Frances Nix Morgan for 58 years.

Christy Morgan was raised in and around Selma, Alabama, and graduated in 1947 from Alfred G. Parrish High School where he earned a letter in choral music for his involvement with the glee club and men’s quartet. He grew up in the Alabama Avenue Presbyterian Church but found a home in many area churches. From experiences in his father’s grocery store, he “learned respect for persons of color and age and compassion for the poor.” He received his call to the ministry as a young man.

In 1951, he graduated from Southwestern at Memphis (Rhodes College) with a degree in English literature and lifelong friendships through the Sigma Nu fraternity. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1953, and, with his wife, embraced a career in the ministry that provided them both a lifetime of joy, fulfillment and cherished friendships.

Faithful to his calling, Mr. Morgan began his ministry at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was ordained on June 13, 1954. In his career, he also served the First Presbyterian Church of Covington, Tennessee; First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville, Tennessee; First Presbyterian Church of Corinth, Mississippi; First Presbyterian Church of Somerville, Tennessee; and LaGrange Presbyterian Church of LaGrange, Tennessee. His commitment to the Presbyterian Church led him to participate in every area of presbytery committee work, including serving as Stated Clerk for 23 years in three different presbyteries.

Two major issues marked his journey and shaped his ministry: the ordination of women and racial inclusiveness in the church, both of which he supported. Under his leadership, the First Presbyterian Church of Corinth hosted the city’s first interracial Community Thanksgiving service, initiated a Formula for the Future program to provide nutritional support for newborns, and sponsored a Vietnamese refugee family. In LaGrange, he led a capital campaign to build a church for the new congregation.

Mr. Morgan loved his family dearly and was a proud and supportive father and grandfather. He explored many interests in his life, including fishing and hunting; raising quail, cattle and puppies; visiting the ancient European seats of Christianity; and exploring his family roots. He was a member of several genealogical societies, including the Sons of Confederate Veterans – which recognized him as a Real Grandson of a Confederate Veteran in the State of Mississippi. In his elder years, he found special joy listening to the children’s choir at church and watching the birds outside his window.

He was predeceased by his wife Frances in 2010 and is survived by his two children, R. Christy Morgan, Jr. (Kelly) and Caroline Morgan Passerotti (Tim Brewer), and his three grandchildren, Travis Passerotti (Stephanie), Saramaria Passerotti and Miles Morgan.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Corinth on Sunday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m., with the Reverend Mr. Waring Porter officiating and the Reverend Mr. Truman Nabors of Abiquiu, New Mexico, assisting. Following the worship service, a time for visiting will be held in the church fellowship hall. A private family interment will be held at the City Cemetery in Corinth.

Mr. Morgan concluded almost every blessing with the words, “and may the hungry people of the world also have food.” In that spirit, his family requests that memorial gifts be made to organizations offering food to people in need or to the donor’s charity of choice. Chris and Caroline offer their deepest gratitude to the caregivers who provided care and friendship to their father in his final years and to members of the community.