Obituary of William J. Morgan

William James Morgan, 80, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bill was an exemplary man and lived a life overflowing with dedication and service to our country and his community through numerous civil and veterans organizations. Born and raised in Shortsville, NY, Bill was the son of the late William Charles "Chuck" and Donna (Secor) Morgan. He never strayed far from his hometown. As the fourth generation of Morgans to live in this close-knit community, he was well-known and admired by all. Bill graduated from Red Jacket Central High School in 1962, where he excelled in sports (especially football and track). In his youth, he was an altar server at St. Dominic's Catholic Church and proud to have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy (1962-1966), Bill served in Vietnam on a Riverine Patrol Boat (PBR) then afterwards in the Navy Reserves. Pride in his military service is evident by his involvement in numerous veteran organizations, which include the American Legion, VFW (Post 2883- Newark, NY), Ontario County '40 & 8', Disabled Veterans of America, U.S. Naval Combat Forces (Vietnam), and the Vietnam Veterans of America (Genesee Valley Chapter). Bill was a Life Member of these organizations and will be missed more than words can express, especially by all his friends at American Legion Turner-Schrader Post 34. Bill and his father (William Charles Morgan, U.S. Navy, WWII) were both an integral part of carrying out the organization's mission to mentor youth, advocate patriotism, promote security, and support fellow service members and veterans. Bill continued community service after his honorable discharge from the military as a volunteer firefighter with the Shortsville Fire Department (Citizen's Hose Company). Eventually earning the esteemed rank of Captain, he was a respected member of the unit and member of the Fireman's Association of the State of New York. Later, in 2019, he was commended with honors by the New York State Senate for 50 years of service to his department. "Captain Morgan" remained involved with the department throughout most his adult life... always ready to rescue, fight fires, or drive the truck. Bill retired in 2001 from Eastman Kodak Company after 34 years of dedicated service, where he made numerous lifelong friends. He worked in the Synthetic Chemicals Division as a Master Pipefitter, then later as Maintenance Planner. A talented baritone player, Bill was a beloved member of both the Savannah CellarSavers and Mighty St. Joe's Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps; and previously in the Crusaders and Appleknockers Drum Corps. He truly enjoyed every opportunity to play his horn at parades, events, concerts, and championships across the state with fellow musicians. Receiving the distinct honor of being "The First 70 Year Old Active Member" of the Savannah CellarSavers, Bill joined in 1986 and hardly missed an event over 30+ years. He always made it known they won the NY State Championship for 20 consecutive years. Bill and his wife, Linda, have loved all their cats dearly and he was committed to helping the local population of homeless cats. Regardless of the weather, Bill would tirelessly wake early to feed a group of feral cats for years; he was even sure to find someone to fill in if he went out of town.* Most of all, Bill was devoted to his family. His wife Linda, daughter Julianne, and four grandchildren always knew how much he loved them. Bill shared his interests with them and brought the same enthusiasm to their pursuits. He expressed his confidence in his daughter, encouraging her to realize her dreams in everything she pursued. He shared his thoughts and listened with interest to theirs, spent time with them at every opportunity, knew them well. He was honored that his oldest granddaughter and grandson, Morgan and William, will carry on his name; all four grandchildren have already followed in his footsteps through either their involvement in Scouting or the U.S. Army. Bill is survived by his wife and best friend of 37 years, Linda (Christler) Morgan; his daughter and son-in-law, Julianne (Morgan) and John Wyman, Elkton, MD; his four grandchildren, Morgan, William, Abigayle and Nathaniel Wyman; and three brothers-in-law, David (Diane), Ronald, and Robert Christler. All are welcome to the Memorial Service and Celebration of the Life for William J. Morgan, Saturday, August 10th at 1:00 PM, at the American Legion Post 34, 1513 Palmyra St, Shortsville, NY. *Donations in Bill's memory can be made to "Colony Caregivers" (Helping Stray, Feral and Abandoned Cats in Ontario County, NY), P.O. Box 12, Shortsville, NY, 14548. www.thecolonycaregivers.com "Semper Fortis" ~ Always Courageous