Albert Gene Morgan Jr

Albert (‘bert) Morgan was a teacher; an avid writer and reader who could access the gap between known and unknown. He was dedicated to his students, teaching a wide range of grades for Metro. He favored his years in Kindergarten at Grandbery Elementary despite the setbacks that came with his position as a male teacher which were covered by Teacher’s Magazine in 1996 (read it here). His love for children’s literature and creativity for lessons in the classroom spanned 26 years, starting at Old Center in 1974 until his last class 1999 before moving to the Board of Education in 2000. There, he was able to spread his love for teaching and learning across the state and South, teaching English standards to his toughest crowd yet -- teachers.

He was married to Naomi Ruth 26 years this July, and they are most proud of their two daughters, Christina (Chrissy) who was born in 1991 and Cameron in 1994. Ruth loves her husband, and recalls his jaded humor as one of the things she’ll miss most. She said she’ll miss her companion and best friend.

Chrissy shared her father’s love of writing and old, cheesy movies. She never longed for support at the many gymnastics performances, soccer games, band concerts, or track meets, as ‘bert was always part of the loudest cheer section. She was always thankful for her confidante, example, supporter, and best friend. She would gladly spend days watching old classics like “Somewhere in Time” and “Fried Green Tomatoes” with ‘bert. His faith and love of the Lord held not only a lamp for his own feet, but a light for the path down which Chrissy would later travel. Chrissy, along with her husband, Jackson, will miss her father, but are grateful for his example of unconditional, unfailing love and perseverance.

Cameron shared her father’s love of music. She remembers him waiting outside of her jazz classes and band practices. He was an endless support of her work, attending concerts and asking what more he could help her do. She said that he was also a vocal support of her journalism career, and remembers him constantly referencing her work with student news. Cameron will miss her father and is grateful that his enduring, unconditional love will live on through her work and passion.

‘bert held dear Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Even with his commitments, he never missed calling his mother, Bobbie Morgan, every day. Bobbie survives her son who was a constant support in her life.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that you may consider donating to the Humane Society, as ‘bert was an advocate for animals and loved those he had. Donations can be made in his name through this link.