Jimmy Burl Morgan

Jimmy Burl Morgan has gone to be with his Lord and Saviour. He passed away on Good Friday, April 7th, 2023, at the accomplished age of 87 surrounded by family. He left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service to his community that will be remembered for years to come.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 12 at Renew Church, 6509 Bosque Blvd., Waco, Texas 76710, with Rev. Wayne Williams officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at the Johnson Memorial Cemetery, West 222 Texas, Munday, Texas, 76371 at the Morgan family gravesite. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd., Waco, Texas 76710.

Born October 22, 1935, in Knox City to Carl Morgan and Annie Freeman Morgan, he grew up on a farm in the Gillespie/Sunset community near Munday. He graduated from Munday High School in 1954 before attending Midwestern University in Wichita Falls where he met the love of his life, Wanda Gayle Box, of Frederick, Oklahoma. On October 15, 2022, they celebrated 67 years of marriage. Their love was a true inspiration to those around them, and they were often seen holding hands and laughing together. Wanda was Jimmy's rock, and he never hesitated to tell anyone who would listen about how much he loved her. She was the guiding light of his life and best friend. They shared their lives together through bumps and abundance with their love as the unifying force.

He started his career at Lone Star Gas Company in Wichita Falls in 1955 and was relocated to Waco in 1970. He held various positions in the company starting as a sales representative and retiring as District Superintendent. During his tenure, he converted the entire west Texas hand billing system to a data processing system. He retired in 1994 after 39 years. He was acknowledged by many former employees for his outstanding leadership.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, many stories, and quality time with his family. He spent countless hours around his smoker cooking brisket for his community. He was a master fisherman and loved catching bass, crappies, and catfish from the local waterways of Waco. He served as Ranch Manager for his daughter and son-in-law’s property in Lorena where he raised and cared for his beloved longhorns, including his favorite crooked-horned steer, Rojo. He loved vegetable gardening and made sure he had a garden at every residence, where he grew vegetables for family and neighbors. Fishing and ranching were more than just hobbies for Jimmy; it was a way to connect with nature and with the animals he so deeply loved.

Jimmy's family was the center of his world. Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, Carl Morgan; and mother, Annie Freeman Morgan; as well as his adored dog, Paris.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Box Morgan, of Waco; two children, Teresa Danforth and her husband, Donald, of Dripping Springs; Greg Morgan, and his wife, Melanie, of Colorado; his four grandchildren, Zane Morgan, Colton Danforth, Olivia Morgan, and Travis Danforth; sister, Carlene Morgan Gribble and husband, Jerry Gribble, of Whitney; as well as two nephews, Jay and David Gribble, who have given him numerous grand-nieces and -nephews. He was a doting grandfather who loved nothing more than spoiling his grandchildren and teaching them the ways of life. He was also a devoted husband and father who always put faith and family first.

Jimmy's dedication to his community earned him many accolades, but he never sought recognition for his efforts. In his words, it was better to be poor in wallet than in heart, and he routinely went above and beyond to help those in need. He could be found mending underprivileged children’s bicycles and feeding anyone in need. His passion for serving his community was unparalleled. He was past president of numerous Optimist Club chapters and the founding member of the Waco Optimist Club. He embraced the philosophy of the Optimist Club and lived by the Optimist Creed. Other volunteer positions he held included past president of the Traveler’s Protective Association

and Loan Executive with United Way. He proudly served as Deacon, Sunday school teacher, board member and trustee of Lakewood Christian Church (now Renew Church of Waco) since 1970.

Jimmy Burl Morgan was a kind, compassionate, and selfless man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and dedication to his community will live on through those he touched during his lifetime. Rest in peace, Jimmy, and thank you for everything you did for us.

Memorials may be made to the Renew Church of Waco in Jimmy’s memory.

The family invites you to leave a message on his tribute wall at www.WHBFamily.com.