Richard E. Morgan

Richard E. Morgan, 66, of Opp, Alabama passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019. His gallant battle with cancer ended at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick Morgan was born in Opp on March 11, 1952. He was educated in the Opp City School system and graduated from Opp High School. After several years of college and work experience in Montgomery, Alabama, he returned to Opp to pursue various responsibilities with the family businesses, Morgan Distributing Company, Inc. and Auto Sav, Inc.

During his business years, he was active in the community, serving in the Opp Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club. He was a leader in his industry serving on the board of directors for the Alabama Oilmen’s Association/Alabama Association of Convenience Stores from 1993-1995; the Executive Committee from 1996-1997 and was elected chairman of the board of directors in 1999, the association’s 50th anniversary year. In addition to serving on the association’s board, he was a founding trustee for AlaCOMP, and also a founding member of the board of directors for Five Star Insurance Group, LTD, the association’s insurance programs.

In 1998, after serving many years as [resident and chief executive officer of Morgan Distributing Company, Rick Morgan bought out his family interests in the company and continued its successful operation as Mr. Henry’s Convenience Stores until his retirement in 2007. In the years since, he had pursued his passions: golf, Auburn football and grandchildren. In 2012, Rick married Margaret Gilchrist, who became his devoted companion and in the last year, loving caregiver.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughters, Cari Lee Morgan and Sara Morgan Jones (Levi); grandchildren, Stella Gilbreath, Ryder and Lucy Jo Hartzog and Mamie, Amelia and Mick Jones; stepsons, Trey Dunbar and Chris Dunbar (Beth); mother, Bettye Jo Elmore Morgan; brother, Henry S. “Mike” Morgan, Jr (Bonnie); niece, Amy Schnorrenberg (Scott); and nephew, James M. Morgan (Sarah). He is predeceased by his father, Henry S. Morgan, Sr.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 13, 2019, from Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Gary Miller will be officiating with special music by Robby Shephard and Denise Pearce. Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Griffin, Shayne Lord, Scott Weeks, Jarrod Jones, Juddy Channell, Nicky Short, Jerry Ellis and David Ellis.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to the Opp Country Club Men’s Golf Association (P.O. Box 532, Opp, Al 36467) or the church or charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the nurses and staff of Comfort Care Hospice for their professional and compassionate care, and also thank Marlene Miller and Judy Stephens for invaluable advice and care when it was needed most.