Gerald Ross Morgan 74, died May 19, 2020 in a local hospital. Dedicated husband and loving father and grandfather, Ross was the youngest of five children born to Andy and Jessie Mae Morgan of Clark County Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and a sister. He survived by his wife, Dr. Pat Morgan, one daughter, Missy Morgan Lyda of Texarkana, AR, two sons - Dwayne Webb (Karen)of Perryville, AR and Bary Morgan (Amber) of Milwaukee, WI and nine grandchildren - Taylor Webb, Morgan Ann Perkins, Nick Morgan, Katie Webb, Mikayla Morgan, Morgan Thomas, Alexandra Morgan, Jenna Webb, and Kherington Lyda. Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law Betty and JW Walls, many nieces and nephews, friends, athletes and loved ones.
Ross joined the United States Army in 1968 and served two years of his tour in Vietnam. Even at a very young age he held the rank of sergeant. At a recent military reunion the young men assigned to him said the sergeant was a born leader. During his service he was awarded several accolades including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Civil Actions Medal, Expert Rifleman, and his Most honorable award the Bronze Star. Upon discharge in 1971, he met and married the love of his life, Pat Owens Morgan, a union that has lasted 49 years.
He grew up in Arkadelphia attending Arkadelphia public schools. Ross entered Texarkana college in the fall of 1971 to begin his academic pursuits and then proceeded to Henderson State University where he graduated with Honors in 1975 with a degree in education. During his time in college he worked at the Boys and Girls Club in Texarkana and he always said this was the turning point in his decision to become a coach. He received a Masters in education and administrative certification from East Texas State University.
He began his coaching career in the Fall of 1975 at College Hill Junior High and then went on to coach at Arkansas High school as the girls Head Basketball Coach. In 1980 Coach Morgan was hired at Bloomburg TX to coach all girls and boys basketball 5th-12th grade. After 5 years in Bloomberg he was hired in Hooks Texas where he finished his years of coaching. During his time in Hooks he coached Boys Basketball and assistant football but made his greatest impact in the girls athletic department by coaching volleyball, basketball, softball and track with unchallenged success.
Ross was an active member of First United Methodist Church-Texarkana Arkansas. He stressed putting God First and it was evident in all he did. He served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chairman of the Trustees, Sunday school teacher, and driving the van for children’s choir. Nothing pleases him more than to be called by the church to come repair or serve the church in any capacity. Word is said His strong bass voice could be heard clearly throughout the church on Sunday mornings.
Ross Morgan left a legacy of love, honor and faith and will be missed by many.
A celebration of life service will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday at First United Methodist Church, Texarkana, AR.
A private graveside service was held at Murfreesboro Cemetery, Murfreesboro, AR.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Texarkana, AR.
Condolences may be left at www.eastfuneralhomes.com
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