Rev. Richard Laurence Morgan Sr. was born to Clarence Oliver Morgan Sr. and Marguerite Taplin Morgan in Memphis, TN on November 9, 1955. He was named after his grandfather, Richard Morgan, who traveled both as a juke band musician and as a baseball player. His grandmother, Cora Essie then married John Word and moved to Muskogee, OK about 1918.


He lost both of his parents at a young age and was nurtured by his sister Alice Morgan Grant, brother-in-law George Grant, and his brother Clarence Oliver Morgan Jr. They were supported and encouraged by James and Sam Ella Brown, affectionately known as Uncle James and Aunt Precious.


Rev. Morgan explored several careers. As an entertainer with the band Potent Force and with the Bill Clayton Orchestra, he performed in many locations around Los Angeles and in several states and several countries. He was lead vocalist for both groups and played percussions. He held administrative positions at Pepperdine University and San Francisco State College, which kept him motivated to finish college. He returned to school a few years ago and when his health failed he was only one course away from graduation. He became a campus security supervisor, a soccer coach, a softball coach and a basketball coach within Alvord School District in Riverside, CA where he was also honored as Coach of the Year.


Over the course of his life he lived in seven cities: Memphis, TN, his place of birth; St. Louis, MO, where he was raised; Los Angeles, CA, where his music career began; San Francisco, CA; Muskogee, OK; Riverside, CA, where he gained fame as a high school coach; and Inglewood, CA, where he was ordained a Baptist minister. He had many struggles in his fifty-eight years. He overcame most of them except his juvenile diabetes, which eventually caused severe complications and several years of poor health. He made his transition in Eufaula, OK on October 26, 2014.


As a child, he was baptized at St. John Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. He rededicated his life to Christ just four years ago and was baptized again in Riverside, CA. Three years ago he became a licensed, ordained Baptist minister through True Vine Baptist Church in Inglewood, CA. He spent his Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at church until his health failed.


He was met at Heaven's Gate by those who preceded him in glory; his grandmother, Cora Essie Word, his father, Clarence Oliver Morgan Sr., his mother, Marguerite Taplin Morgan, and his companion, Cynthia Marie Smith.


Yes, his time on earth is finished however his legacy will live on through his children, and grandchildren. He leaves his sons, Corry (Rosie) Morgan (Memphis, TN), Douglas Morgan (Atlanta, GA), and Rick Morgan Jr (Muskogee, OK); his daughters, Rikisha Morgan (Dallas, TX) and Renetta Morgan (Muskogee, OK); his grandchildren Corry Jr., Jimmie, Mekeion Jr., Jenee, Kelan, Jacxon, Je'Riyah, and Prinz Rick; and his only great grandchild Jacori Morgan. He also leave to cherish his memory his sister, Alice Morgan Grant (Orlando, FL), brother-in-law George (Deborah) Grant (Jonesboro, AR), and his brother Clarence Oliver Morgan Jr. (Inglewood, CA); his former wives, Leslie (Keith) Rucker (Memphis, TN) and Renee Grayson (Muskogee, OK); his nieces Genine Grant (Raleigh, NC) Melanie (Tyree) Jones (Haymarket, VA), and Kamari Grayson (Dallas, TX); his mentors and best friends Rev. Sterling (Pam) Evans (Riverside, CA) and Rev. Charles (Barbara) Perkins (Los Angeles, CA); the children and grandchildren of his companion, Quanisha McCoy (Erinisha and Tai'len), Eric (Dafanie) Butler (Amya, Eric, Erionna), and Joniqua Dorsey; and many other family members and friends.


Those who knew him can bear witness to his love for his kids, his love for sports, his love for music, his love for life and his love for God. We will forever sharing stories of Rickey, or Rick, or Coach Rick, or dad, or grandpa, or Rev. Richard Laurence Morgan. He never hesitated to encourage others, especially his family, to not make the same mistakes he did. And we will never forget that although he learned life's lessons the hard way, he finally got it!


Rest well Rev. Richard Laurence Morgan Sr.


A Memorial Ceremony honoring his life will be shared on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. in the Spencer Memorial United Methodist Church.