of Little Rock, AR
July 11, 1944 - November 21, 2020
Joe Alan Morgan, 76, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020, from complications of pulmonary fibrosis at Baptist Health in Little Rock. Joe was born, raised, and lived in Little Rock all of his life. He believed Arkansas was one of the best kept secrets in the country. He is predeceased by his parents, Charlie B. Morgan and Amy Wilson Morgan; his brother and sister-in-law, Charles W. Morgan and Alvia Jean Trout Morgan; and one niece, Tracy Leigh Morgan. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judy James Morgan; his son, Brett Alan Morgan; and his granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth Morgan, all of Little Rock.
Joe attended Garland Elementary School, Westside Junior High School, and Little Rock Central High School. He played in both the marching band and the swing band. He attended one semester at Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, now University of Central Arkansas, but soon realized he wanted to be home in Little Rock, and, at the end of the first semester, he hitchhiked home to Little Rock and never looked back. That Spring, he enrolled in Little Rock University, now U A Little Rock. Joe was a great athlete, and baseball was his game. He was on the first baseball team that Little Rock University ever had, during the days when you furnished your own uniforms and had to take them home to wash them. He was also a charter member of Sigma Nu fraternity. To pay for his education, Joe worked holidays and weekends on the Missouri Pacific Railroad as a switchman. He continued to work on the railroad after he and Judy were married and their son Brett was born.
Always putting his family first, he turned to a new career and went to work for General Motors Acceptance Corporation in 1966 where he remained for 19 and 1/2 years. The opportunity of a lifetime came when he went to work at Cliff Peck Chevrolet in 1985. After several years of hard work, Mr. Peck presented him with a buyout option of the dealership which eventually became Service Chevrolet. In 1997, he and his son Brett opened a family dealership in Benton, Arkansas, Brett Morgan Chevrolet-Oldsmobile. He enjoyed his career in the retail automotive business, during which time he served for 14 years on the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission, finishing his last few years as Chairman, and also serving on the General Motors Product Advisory Council. Eventually, he purchased the Chevrolet-Cadillac dealership in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Stuttgart became the perfect place to finish out his career in the automotive business, retiring in 2013.
Joe was an avid hunter throughout his life. He spent many days and nights at their family duck club in Bayou Meto with his son, his granddaughter, and many of his closest friends. One of the proudest moments in his life was being appointed to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission by Governor Asa Hutchinson in 2015. He wanted to make a difference, and he succeeded. He admired the hard work and loyalty of the hundreds of Arkansas Game and Fish employees. And in the true spirit of a passionate hunter, Joe left this world on opening morning of duck season.
Joe never met a stranger and because of this, his life was filled with friendships that lasted a lifetime. Those lucky enough to know Joe will always remember his one-liners. Whatever he decided to do, he did it at the highest level. Whether it be his career, a hobby such as hunting, playing golf, or flying his Cessna 182, and especially being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he gave 110[%]. He loved the Lord, his family, his many friends, and his Country.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to honor his life and legacy, a graveside service for those who would like to attend will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery, 10200 AR-5, Alexander, Arkansas, at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Tice, Stan Jones, Steve Cook, Lester Seiber, Eddie Bowren, and Larry Walther. Honorary pallbearers will be Will Cooper, John Chappelle, Roy Huddle, Casey Seiber, Tommy Mays, Dr. Eddie Phillips, Dr. Gary Collins, Dr. Steve Chatelain, Sam Winstead, Destin McCracken, Cody Hiland, Sheffield Nelson, Paul Shaffer, Tony Meyer, Major Brad Young and current members of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The family would like to express their immense gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff in the Coronary Care Unit at Baptist Health Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 or Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211.
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58 Condolence(s)
Michael E Lee
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Mrs Morgan,
You may not remember me. My name is Mike Lee. I worked for Joe a long time. I moved to Virginia in 1997. I just moved home in August. I am very sorry for your loss. He may not remember me, but please tell Brett that I am sorry for the loss of his father. By the way I was the F&I Manager for quite some time.
Mike Lee
Allen and Marliese Kerr
Thursday, December 10, 2020
So sorry for your loss, we will really miss Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
David Henson
Monday, December 7, 2020
Joe brought a richness to my life that I will always cherish. Robin and I were proud to have known Joe and count ourselves among the many who will miss him.
Carolyn Kirkland
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Hi Judy,
I don't know if you remember me or not, but I was a "wet behind the ears" country bumpkin country girl who worked with Joe for nearly 10 years in the '60's and '70's at General Motors Acceptance Corporation. I have not seen you or Joe in years. You were always so sweet when we happen to see each other out shopping. I'm sittin' here still blubbering after I watched the amazing celebration video of Joe's life. . . As sad as death is. . . he's in a better place and is free of pain and suffering.
At GMAC, Joe was a breath of grinnin' fresh air as he in a blaze or glory, came in that back door at our office in the afternoons after he'd been out on assignments for the day. He was a "mess" as we old people used to say! We knew we were in for a treat with his outlandish "over the top" comical monologues of his antics of the day" He livened up an otherwise dull, boring office in a matter of seconds! We all loved Joe - (or "Slick" as we called him)! He was every bit of that! . . Never a dull moment He had NO filter! . .that is what made Joe, Joe. He had fun working. I was not surprised to watch as he climbed the ladder to numerous successful careers. . . and that he lived his outdoor dream. I was just sittin' here thinkin' . . . . God just hit the lottery - Heaven will never be the same !!!!
Carla Jones
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Miss Judy & Brett,
I thought the world of Joe as a true friend and boss. I was Joe's service advisor in Stuttgart and he still kept in touch with me when I moved to Little Rock in 2017 and worked for Community Bakery downtown. He always had words of wisdom with a kind thought and that one of a kind smile! Joe will be greatly missed. You all are in my prayers. Love & condolences, Carla Adkins Jones
Helen McDermott
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Judy and Brett, It is with a heavy heart that I send sympathy and prayers during this difficult time! Joe will be missed by so many. May God grant you peace through the pain! Helen
John & Donna Wyrick
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you on the loss of a wonderful husband, father, and all around person. May God be with you in this most trying time.
Ed and Gayle Geoghegan
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Our hearts are with you all this day. The Geoghegan's, Shaffer's and Collin's will be gather for a time of remembrance here in Pinehurst at the same time as the service.
Ann and Bill McDonald
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Judy, Brett, Lauren and family,
My heart hurts!
My heart hurts for you!
My heart hurts for Bill and me and Joe’s other friends who loved him as we did! Joe was my friend for over 50 years and became Bill’s friend along the way. If you knew Joe you had no doubt that his wife and son were first in his heart. The last time I saw Joe was two years ago when I invited him to attend our GMAC Retirees and former employees annual luncheon. Sitting at the table with Joe that day, I quickly learned his granddaughter was another in that first place. Last year Joe had a last minute Game and Fish meeting. The memories have come flooding back but are to numerous to list here. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers and Joe will remain in our hearts. I have to believe that God put his arm around Joe that day and said “Come with me, I need you to oversee the ducks today.â€
R.I.P. Joe, thanks for the memories! Ann and Bill
Raymelle Greening
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Worked with Joe at GMAC and always considered him a true friend.
Shelly Jo Morgan Nichols
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
My heart and prayers are with you all as you celebrate Uncle Joe’s life. May you find peace in knowing you are loved.
I know Nana, Pepa, Daddy, Mom and Tracy have welcomed him with open arms.
May the Lord fill your heart with loving memories. Blessings to you all,
Shelly
Neil Palmer
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Judy and family---I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort for all of you.
Steve & Debbie Woosley
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss.
Asa Hutchinson
Monday, November 30, 2020
Judy, Brett and family,
Joe was my first major appointment as Governor. I am so proud of his service to the people of Arkansas and for his personal friendship. Joe was always a joy to be around and Susan and I will miss him greatly. We are sorrow for your loss and share in the heart ache.
God bless you!
Asa Hutchinson
Steve and Terri Beaupre
Monday, November 30, 2020
Judy and Brett-
We are so deeply saddened by Joe's passing. He will be so greatly missed. His stories and kindness will live on in our hearts. Our thoughts and love to you.
Steve and Terri Beaupre
Patsy and Robert Trammel
Monday, November 30, 2020
Judy, Brett and lauren, so sorry for your loss. This has been a hard year for y’all, but we know we have an awesome God. Robert and I are praying for all of you. Joe and his contagious smile will be missed. Love ya
Patsy and Robert Trammel.
Amanda & Don Gray
Monday, November 30, 2020
Judy, Amanda & I are very sorry for your loss. Joe was special there’s no doubt.We know you have been through a lot recently and our Prayers are always with You. We Love You, Amanda & Don
Pat Fitts
Monday, November 30, 2020
Judy and Brett - Alice and I are so sorry for your loss. Joe was an amazing person. It was always evident that he truly cared about others! He will be truly missed by all who ever knew him. Your family will remain in our prayers!
Mike Freeze
Monday, November 30, 2020
Joe was everything that a Commissioner should be, yet he was so much more. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and his legacy will be appreciated by all, even those who never knew him. Brett, Judy and the rest of the family: you are in our prayers.
Nathan (Nate) Brandes
Monday, November 30, 2020
In my business relationship with Joe Morgan as his General Motors Service and Parts District Manager, I want to state that Joe was a terrific General Motors Dealer at Service Chevrolet, Little rock. Every time I contacted Joe he always had a smile and positive attitude, which was reflected in his service & parts department managers, too! Joe was always interested in how to better serve his customers when they came in for warranty and service work, and he never forgot how important it was to have a personal and caring relationship with them throughout their ownership experience. Godspeed, Joe Morgan!
David Cone
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Judy,
So sorry for your loss; I’ll pray for the repose of his soul and God’s blessings and consolations for you and your family.
Bill Spivey
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Judy:
I was so very sorry to learn of Joe's passing and will hold you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Spivey
Darren O’Quinn
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Joe was a great man who took an interest in me in my younger years and helped shape my thoughts and life in a positive manner. God Bless this Saint and his family. Darren.
Retired County Judge Jimmy Jones
Sunday, November 29, 2020
To Joe’s family,
I was so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe and I became friends while serving on the Motor Vehicle Commission together. He was so proud of his family. He was a good friend and I will miss our visits.
Robert and Barbara Thompson
Saturday, November 28, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Joe was such a nice man. Prayers to the Morgan family.
Steve and Alison Cook
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Judy, Brett and Lauren: You have no idea how very, very heartbroken we are in the loss of our beloved Joe (Pop). He was not only a great friend, but your family was our family. We will miss him so very much, it is just hard to believe at this time. Always remember, as you know anyway, we are here for you always and in our prayers everyday. We love you all and Joe, we love you and miss you, but know you are duck hunting in heaven where there are heavenly flights and soft mouth retrievers. And hunting with everyone that will share a blind with you. Love Always, Steve and Alison Cook
Don Moore
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Enjoyed the time with Joe through our Sunday School class. A delightful man!
So sorry for your loss and sadness! God will make a way though your loss is incalculable. Don Moore
Norman K Anspach
Friday, November 27, 2020
One of the best Automotive people I ever had the honor of working with. A nice guy who always finished first. He was at the head of his class. All my sympathy for his wife Judy and son Brett.
Jimmy Wade Morgan
Friday, November 27, 2020
To Joe's family - please accept our sincere condolence in the loss of Joe. I always called him my concrete cousin - as he grew up in Little Rock while so many cousins/relatives lived in Roland/Hwy 10 area. It was such a pleasure to visit with him at family funerals and local restaurants over the years. He will be missed by all. May your precious memories grow sweeter and stronger each day.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Wade and Shirley Morgan, Bryant, Arkansas
Beverly Gentey
Friday, November 27, 2020
Mrs. Judy, Brett and Lauren,
It is my sincere prayer that God’s peace and comfort be with you during this time of loss. Mr. Joe will be greatly missed. May God bless and keep you in the days ahead. I love you all.
Beverly
Sandy and Steve Landers
Friday, November 27, 2020
Judy, Brett and family, we are so sad about your loss of Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve and Sandy Landers
Friday, November 27, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family we know how your hearts are broken think of all the good times with Joe I’m sure there were so many 💔💔
Cheryl Bryan
Friday, November 27, 2020
Ms. Judy, I worked for Joe in Stuttgart from the time he bought it till 2008. I met you, Bret and Lauren and I loved each and every one of you! I’m so sorry about Joe’s passing and didn’t know he was sick. He was a wonderful man and boss and I will dearly miss him!
Buddy Matson
Friday, November 27, 2020
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. I talked with Joe a couple weeks ago! Margaret and I always loved his wit and his stories. He would always start by putting his tongue to his cheek, point his finger in the air, and start in! That's what I remember about Joe. God bless you!
Buddy
Cherye Thevenet Riggs
Friday, November 27, 2020
Hey gorgeous Judy, so sorry about that sassy, fun husband of yours, will keep u in my prayers!
Joy Cabe DeBardelaben
Friday, November 27, 2020
Judy,
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you now...have good memories of both of you when Annette and Wimp lived in Little Rock! He will be missed! ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Love You,
Joy ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Annita & Earl Paul
Friday, November 27, 2020
Joe set the standard for being a nice guy of integrity. We are praying for you Judy.
Annita & Earl LRCHS c/o 1962
Sarah Jane Polk
Friday, November 27, 2020
Judy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My hope is that I will continue to see you when I am in LR.
Buddy Adams
Friday, November 27, 2020
So sorry to hear about Joe. Please believe he is in a better place. Joe and I had many good times together, from Garland all the way through Central. Judy and Brett, you are in our prayers. Buddy and Cheri Adams
Linda and Tommy Hughes
Friday, November 27, 2020
Judy and Brett, you are in Linda and I's thoughts and prayers.
One of a kind has left us.
Beverly Sutton
Friday, November 27, 2020
All of AGFC is sad to hear of Commissioner Joe Morgan's passing. He was such a fine person and so dedicated and vested in the fish and wildlife resources of Arkansas. On a personal note, I want Brett and Judy to know I pray for God's comfort and blessings to them during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Commissioner Morgan.
Bill &Connie Bloodworth
Friday, November 27, 2020
May all of your good memories help to carry y’all through this tough time. Our condolences.
Marion McCollum
Friday, November 27, 2020
A good man. He will be missed by his friends and family
Ken Evans
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Judy and Brett, I was shocked to hear that someone as full of life as Joe could be gone. I will always remember Joe fondly, especially his one liners. May God comfort you in your time of grief.
Ford and Stephanie Overton
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Judy and Brett - we are so sorry about Joe. We are praying for you guys. Have peace that he is in heaven with his Lord. He’s also looking down on all the duck hunters with a big ole Joe smile.
Ford and Stephanie.
Woody and Freddie Jolley
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Judy,
Thinking of you and Brett at this time. May you feel God’s presence.
Bobby and Margie Martin
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Judy, our deepest sympathy and sadness in the loss of Joe. Margie and I have and will continue to lift you and all of your wonderful family up. Thankful that you know right where he is today and hold the strength and faith that sustains you. Love and prayer, Bobby and Margie Martin
Tom and Becky Bryant
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Judy and Brett so sorry to hear about joe. May God give you peace and comfort. Even though he has left this world his memories will live forever.
Carol Jim & Edd Hoyt
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Dear Family, may God Bless you at this most difficult time, never easy to say Good-By. Joe was indeed a special person and will be surely missed to say the least. The many great times we spend together on the ball team and the friendships developed will always be remembered. our prayer is that-- Eternal Rest Be Granted to Joe's Soul and May the Perpetual Lights Shin on Him ---May Joe Rest in Peace. From the Hoyt Family
Mary Garrett
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Judy and Brett,
I’m am so sorry for your loss. I met Joe at Dr Burton’s office and had that pleasure many years. He always had a great story for me and made me laugh many times. Such a great man- I will miss him.
Mary Garrett
Earl and Sue Glover
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Judy we are so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and comfort you and your family. Joe was one of a kind. We are proud to have know the two of you.
Paul Burton
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Judy and Brett so sorry for your loss , all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Danan Kennedy
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember the early morning carpool rides and his great smile. Thoughts and prayers with you guys. Danan Kennedy
Joan McCallie
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Judy, I was so sorry to hear about Joe. Prayers for you and all your family. May the Lord comfort you during this time and give you strength and peace.
Jan E Wiedemann
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Judy, I remember Joe well. He was the best friend of my brother, Paul. Pray you and family will be blessed at this time.
Jimmy and Margurette Tice
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Judy it’s hard for our family to realize Joes gone. We are praying for you and your family at this time for comfort. God bless you and be with you. He lived life to the fullest. And he will be missed by a lot of people. With all our love.
Jimmy and Margurette
Ron Hughes
Monday, November 23, 2020
Judy, So sorry for your loss. It always appeared that Joe lived his life like he wanted to and it served him well. I could never imagine him without you.
Love and condolenses to you and your family. , Ron and Catherine Hughes
Charles & Mary Priest
Monday, November 23, 2020
Judy, We so sad in the loss of Joe. He will be missed in so many ways. May God comfort you in the days ahead. Lean on Him and your friends. We will be here for you. Sending hugs and prayers.