George Lynn Morgan

George was born in Lindsay, California and grew up in North Fork, where he spent his school years. He graduated from Sierra High School in 1956, having first joined the U.S. Air Force at just 17, returning after boot camp for his diploma.

He served his country for 12 years and was stationed at Norton AFB (CA), Travis AFB (CA), Tulsa AFB (OK), Grand Forks AFB (ND), and Da Nang AFB (Vietnam). He attended Jet Engine Mechanic School at Sheppard AFB (TX) and received Outstanding Achievement honors. While stationed in Grand Forks, he served on active runway duty for three days during the Bay of Pigs crisis, and later, while deployed to Da Nang during the Vietnam War, his base endured significant enemy fire.

George is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rita Morgan; his children, Rick Morgan, Rob Morgan and wife Robin, and Michele Morgan. His grandchildren Brooke Abrames and husband Brandon, Tanner Morgan, Taylor Morgan, Ashley Dettmann and husband Bryan; and his great-grandchildren Lainee and Harper. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dixie Morgan, and his brother, Michael Morgan.

After his military service, George brought his family back home to North Fork in 1968. He worked for 25 years at the local lumber mill as an Electronic Technician and Millwright. In 1977, the family moved to Auberry, where George continued his career at the Auberry, North Fork, and Dinuba mills, keeping them running until their closure in 1995. He then joined Sierra High School’s Facilities and Transportation Department, where he worked for eight and a half years before retiring in 2004.

George and Rita built a home in Burrough Valley where he poured his creativity into countless projects, such as modifying RC planes with cameras and rockets, metal lathing, machining engines, and building several seafaring boats.

An avid ham radio operator, George achieved the highest level of amateur radio licensing. His intricate web of antennas stretched across the property, allowing him to connect with operators all over the world.

George’s ashes will be scattered at a later date, honoring his wish for a Viking funeral—true to the Morgan name and his love of the sea.Those who knew George will remember his sense of humor, his love for a good surprise and a colorful tale.

He was devoted to his family and was a man of deep faith. One day, seemingly out of the blue, he announced to his family that they were going to church—a decision that changed their lives, as the entire family came to know Jesus and were baptized together at Sierra Hills Baptist Church.

George will be deeply missed but never forgotten—until we meet again in paradise.