William Cranston 'Bill' Morgan, Jr., 58

WHITE STONE, Va. - William Cranston Morgan, Jr., 58, passed from this life on February 14, 2008 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Bill was born on November 10 1949 to the late Cranston and Amy Morgan of White Stone, Virginia. He was followed 2 years later by his brother, Joe and 14 years later by his sister Jeanne. Bill enjoyed spending summers on Smith Island, Maryland during his youth, with his maternal grandparents, Leon & Polly Evans. The island was like a second home to him which he enjoyed exploring. Bill was also the grandson df the late Wilber and Mary Morgan of Crisfield, founders of W.F. Morgan and Sons, a family operated oyster business in Weems, Virginia. In addition to his brother and sister, Bill is survived by many relatives in the Crisfield and Salisbury areas.

While in high school, Bill excelled in sports, playing basketball and was on the Regional Basketball Championship team during his senior year. Bill was also an avid golfer. He was awarded a full golf scholarship to Ferrum College where he spent two years. He then transferred to the University of Columbus in Georgia again, on a full golf scholarship. Bill was fortunate to play with some great players, including Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, Curtis Strange and his great friend Sammy Rachels.

After college, Bill returned to Virginia to assist in the operation of W. F. Morgan & Sons with his father, Cranston Morgan and two uncles, Raymond and Wilbur Morgan, Jr. He spent the next 25 years learning from the best. He left Virginia in 2001, moving to Pass Christian, Mississippi where he packed oysters for W.F. Morgan & Sons at Crystal Seas. The plant was destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. He then evacuated to DeFuniak Springs, Florida, where he remained until his death on February 14. He loved his life, and his home in Florida where he was surrounded by friends and loved ones. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service was held in DeFuniak Springs, Florida on March 8.