Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan, USAF Ret., passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Providence Pointe Healthcare in Paducah, Kentucky, surrounded by his family. He was 96 years old.
Bill was born on April 11, 1929, in Puryear, Tennessee, and grew up in Benton, Kentucky, graduating from Benton High School in 1947. He attended Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson, TN, for one year, then transferred to Murray State University, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Business. In 1951, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was accepted into the Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program. While serving as a pilot instructor and pilot in both Germany and France during and after the Korean war, he met and married his sweetheart, Irene Whiteside, a native of Texas. They returned to the states in 1956, and while stationed in Lubbock, Texas, Bill was an associate professor of Air Science and Commandant of Cadets at Texas Tech University, where he also earned an M.A. in Government. In 1960, Bill left active duty, and he and Irene returned to Benton. He continued his military career in the Air Force Reserves and Tennessee Air National Guard, flying troops and cargo during the Vietnam War. Afterwards, he returned to the USAF Reserves. As a command pilot, Bill was promoted to Brigadier General in 1981. He retired in September,1985, having served 35 years of active, reserve, and Air National Guard service. Over the years, he received numerous medals and commendations, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal-Germany, Commendation Ribbon, Armed Forces Longevity Service Award, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
Bill was a lifelong member of the Benton Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon for 25 years and an elder for 20 years. He also served for over 30 years on the Board of Directors for F.A.C.E. – French African Christian Education in Benin, West Africa. He was a principal owner and an independent insurance agent and realtor with Morgan, Trevathan & Gunn in Benton for 35 years. Over the years he served on the Benton City Council, Benton Lions Club, Marshall County Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky-Barkley Lake Board of Realtors, Kentucky Western Waterlands, Marshall County Hospital Board of Directors, and he was a founder and director for the Marshall County High School Athletic Foundation. He was the former Chairman of the Board of Directors for Bradshaw & Weil, Inc. and served as a director for several banks in western Kentucky. He was named a member of the Marshall County Schools Distinguished Hall of Fame.
Bill was a chairman and long-time member of the Board of Trustees for Freed Hardeman University, where he was an Outstanding Alumnus and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. As a contributing alumnus, he was inducted into FHU Sports Hall of Fame and was recognized as a member of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association Hall of Fame. In addition, Bill was a lifetime member of the Murray State University Alumni Association and served on the MSU Board of Regents. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Professional Achievement and the Golden Horseshoe Award for volunteer service to the university.
Bill was known for his wit and wisdom, and he never met a stranger. He coached Little League baseball in Benton for several years and was always an avid sports fan. He grew up following the St. Louis Cardinals and loved watching UK, Murray State, and Marshall County High School sports. He enjoyed supporting his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren in school and sports activities.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Shannon Morgan West (Daniel) of Flushing, Michigan, and his son, Brandon W. Morgan (Janet) of Paducah; two sisters, Patricia Hodges of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Martha Kaye Lincoln (Barry) of Memphis, Tennessee; one brother, Phillip Morgan of Benton; four grandchildren, Adrienne Cathey (Nick), Emily Mathis (Grant), Jenna Davis (Lance), and Allie Ragland (Blake); nine great-grandchildren, Corynne Cathey, Joshua Ray Cathey, Myles Mathis, Merritt Mathis, Macon Mathis, Wells Davis, Whitley Davis, Georgi Ragland, Sunny Ragland; nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Irene Whiteside Morgan; son-in-law, Ray Gann, Jr.; brother-in-law, Paul Hodges, his parents, Hatler and Virginia Morgan; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Benton Church of Christ with Mark Ray, Milton Sewell, and John Dale officiating. Burial will follow at the Thompson Cemetery with Marlen Wood directing the service.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Benton Church of Christ. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until the 11:00 AM service time on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Benton Church of Christ.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to: Benton Church of Christ, 3091 Main Street, Benton, KY 42025, or F.A.C.E - French African Christian Education, P.O. Box 454, Benton, KY 42025.
