Arthur Raymond "Billy" Morgan was born December 13, 1948 in Morton, Mississippi to Earnestine Harvey Morgan (Morton, Mississippi) and James Joseph Morgan (Pass Christian, Mississippi).

Affectionately known as Billy or Mr. Billy to family and friends, Billy joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served for four years. While in the military, he received several medals, including the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the prestigious Purple Heart Medal.

Upon returning home, Billy was employed with the International Longshoremen's Association Local 1303 in Gulfport, MS for many years.

Billy joined the Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, Pass Christian, MS and has been an active member for over 25 years. During his membership with Goodwill, Mr. Billy served in several capacities. He was an active member of the Laymen's Ministry where he served as Chairperson. He also served as President of the Male Chorus. In these roles, Mr. Billy worked to unify the men of the church and others within the Community. He led the Crusade for Christ effort to host the "Singing in the Park Under the Oaks." The event proved a beneficial outreach to the Church and to the Community. Mr. Billy was a member of the Trustee Board and responsible for spearheading many of the church renovations after Hurricane Katrina. With his generous personality, he befriended many of the volunteers who traveled near and far and who assisted in the renovation and rebuild of Goodwill. Throughout the years, Mr. Billy worked diligently to ensure that the church building was repaired, and that anything that needed to be done was done.

Mr. Billy served as driver for the Youth Ministry, transporting them to Youth Workshops at the District and State level, as well as to local events within the Community. He was also a member of the Scholarship Ministry. He loved encouraging the youth and would often share stories of his personal experience. He enjoyed seeing them active in church and working diligently to be successful. Mr. Billy was also a faithful member of Goodwill's Disaster Relief Ministry and the Gone Fishing Ministries Feeding Ministry. Mr. Billy volunteered his time willingly and effortlessly assisting where he could whether it was to serve meals to the Community or utilizing his carpentry skills, traveling to assist in Disaster Relief and rebuild efforts here and in other communities. He also volunteered as a driver when needed to deliver meals. For many years, he greeted those receiving meals with love and with a smile, and with his memorable laugh. Mr. Billy also served as First Vice President of the Laymen's Ministry for the General Missionary Baptist District Association.

Billy is preceded in death by his mother, Earnestine Harvey Morgan, father, James Joseph Morgan, and sister, Frances Morgan Chapman. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, a son, Sy (Demi) Morgan of Hampton, Georgia; two daughters, Iwanza Hamilton of Gulfport, Mississippi and Shira (LaVert, Jr.) Henderson of Fort Worth, Texas; seven grandchildren, SiApria Morgan, Dedric Zachery, Dequila Buchanan, Willie Gamble, Mi'Kel Madden, LaVert Henderson, III and, Emmanuel Henderson. His memory will also be cherished by his siblings, one brother, Lionel (Barbara) Morgan of Ivor, Virginia and one sister, Tina (Mark) Hilton of Germantown, Maryland, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Throughout his life, Billy's leadership, heart for service and love for people was evident. From his service and sacrifice for his country, his service to the Church and Community and the love shown to family and friends, we are grateful for his life. We trust God, and we celebrate Mr. Billy's love for Christ and a life well-lived. In his words, "Come along my friends, come along. Get aboard and ride this train... Everything to gain."

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6