He was born Sept. 7, 1937, in Mineola, N.Y., and spent his childhood on Long Island, where trips to Jones Beach and a job caddying at the local country club ignited his lifelong love for the ocean and golf. Morgan stayed on the East Coast to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute, receiving an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. He then received his MBA from Harvard University.
Following his graduate degree, he spent the majority of his career in the automotive industry, primarily working for various divisions of Ford Motor Co., where he held multiple leadership roles, culminating as vice president of Ford Electronics. Morgan possessed deep expertise at building teams, was recognized as an innovator and successfully executed several turnarounds. His assignments at Ford included running its largest electronics plant in Lansdale, Pa., serving as global director of the electric vehicle program, as well as global director of robotics and automation.
After the death of his teenage son, Daniel, Morgan chose to retire early to devote time to his family and his passion for investing, becoming a highly skilled options trader. Early retirement also afforded him the opportunity to enjoy regular rounds of golf, predominantly in Sarasota, as well as weekly breakfasts with his friends at The Pancake House, Bible studies, community service and spending time with his grandchildren.
Morgan was a good man of strong character, deeply rooted in his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Barbara, for 48 years and always put his family first, taking joy in epic family vacations. He had a legendary dry wit and was an engaging story teller, taking great pleasure when someone told him his voice sounded just like Clint Eastwood’s.
Morgan was predeceased by his father, Morgan Merritt Whitney Sr.; mother, Dorothea; and son, Daniel. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sisters, Margaret Strohbeck and Susan Kastner (Howard); children, Samantha Schlag (Wilhelm), Alexander (Sarah) and Jessica Huebner (Jeff); and grandchildren, Joshua, Henry, Elena, Merritt, Penelope and Gabriel.
A few years ago, Morgan recorded his life story in a series of vignettes and life lessons, making copies for his children and grandchildren. He closed the book with his testimony and statement of faith, sharing how he came to know God and why he believed in God and Jesus. His words of faith are a wonderful testament to a life quietly and faithfully well-lived.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 3, at Grace Community Church, 21001 Moross Rd., Detroit. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Soar Detroit, soardetroit.com.
For online tributes, please visit www.rtsfunnerals.com
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