The Jacksonville community comes together to honor Dr. Morgan's memory.
The Jacksonville community pays tribute to Dr. William Kenneth Morgan Sr., a respected dentist and philanthropist who passed away on January 7, 2025. Known for his dedication to healthcare and community service, Dr. Morgan’s legacy includes founding dental clinics and supporting educational initiatives. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the lives he impacted throughout his career. As the community prepares for his funeral, they reflect on his accomplishments and the lasting influence he had on many.
Jacksonville, N.C., is mourning the loss of Dr. William Kenneth Morgan Sr., a beloved dentist and generous philanthropist who impacted countless lives throughout his storied career. He passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Born in Fairmont, N.C., Dr. Morgan was the son of Herbert Paul Morgan and Rachael Evans Morgan. After excelling academically and athletically, he graduated from Fairmont High School in 1951. His love for sports took him to Asheville Biltmore Junior College on a football scholarship, where he emerged as a natural leader and was elected class president. He then transferred to Newberry College on another football scholarship, graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences.
Dr. Morgan’s impressive journey didn’t stop there. He continued his education at the prestigious University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1959. Following his graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Naval Dental Corps stationed at the Marine Corps Air Facility in New River. This experience bolstered his commitment to serve the community, which became a hallmark of his career.
In 1961, Dr. Morgan established his dental practice in Jacksonville, where he dedicated over 60 years to his patients. His influence extended far beyond his office walls as he took on various leadership roles within the dental community, including serving as President of the Onslow County Dental Society and the North Carolina Dental Society. Notably, he designed and launched the first oral cancer detection clinic in North Carolina, showcasing his commitment to innovative healthcare.
Dr. Morgan was not just a dentist; he was a true philanthropist. Throughout his life, he endowed several scholarships for dental students, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps. He also earned multiple awards in recognition of his dedication and service to the dental community. His dedication to education extended to his service on the Board of Governors for the UNC system, where he contributed to numerous university committees.
In addition to his educational contributions, he played a key role in community projects, being a founding member of organizations like the Onslow County Community Foundation. The community recognized his unwavering commitment by honoring him with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2016, alongside his wife, Mary, and later as the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce Civic Honoree of the Year in 2018.
Always ready to lend a hand, Dr. Morgan donated his dental office to the Caring Community Clinic to continue serving the underprivileged population. His philanthropic efforts were not limited to his profession; he was also an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he took on various leadership roles.
The community will remember him fondly as a little league football coach who established a Pop Warner program in Jacksonville, demonstrating his love for youth and sports.
Dr. Morgan is survived by his loving wife, Mary, and their three children: Elizabeth, William Jr., and Thomas, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his memory forever.
As Jacksonville prepares to say farewell to one of its most cherished citizens, funeral services are set for Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Morgan Family Endowed Scholarship at the UNC School of Dentistry or to the Onslow Community Outreach Dental Clinic. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to shine through the lives he changed and the communities he served.
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