Frank Jay Morgan, Jr., M.D., retired Executive Officer, Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure, passed away peacefully at home on November 25th, 2022 at the age of 100. Visitation will be held on December 1st at Broadmeadow Methodist Church in Jackson at 10:00 with service to follow at 11:00. Burial will be at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian, MS.
Dr. Morgan was born September 16, 1922, in Meridian, MS, the son of Frank Jay Morgan, Sr. and Eleanor Christine Hobgood Morgan. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sarah Nell Morgan Beckham of Leland, MS, brother, Dr. James Thomas (J.T.) Morgan, Jr. of Graysville, AL., niece Janet Lee Garrison, and, nephew Jay Downey Morgan. He was educated in Meridian Public Schools and attended The University of Mississippi and later Cornell University as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces Specialized Training Program in 1942. He was a 1947 graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine where he received his MD degree and later obtained his M.P.H. degree at The University of Texas School of Public Health. Dr. Morgan enjoyed a distinguished career in medicine and public health service.
Entering compulsory military service following completion of an internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA, he was commissioned in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Navy in 1948. Following a tour of duty at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX, he fulfilled one of his dreams in being transferred to the U.S. Naval School of Aviation Medicine, Pensacola, FL. After completion of the didactic course in aviation medicine, he completed the primary flight syllabus (ground school) of Naval Aviation Training, soloed the SNJ primary air craft trainer and was designated a Naval Flight Surgeon in 1950. He then received orders to become Flight Surgeon of Carrier Air Group Eleven embarked aboard the USS Philippine Sea, CV-47 Aircraft Carrier, engaged in combat air operations as part of the U.S. Task Force in the Korean Conflict. During this engagement, he was awarded the Navy Commendation with Combat Distinguishing Device. After 3 years, he received orders to inactive duty. Being a member of the Active Naval Reserve, he later became Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Medical Facility, Jackson, MS. After 30 years of Navy service, he retired as Captain (permanent rank), Medical Corps, U.S. Navy.
Dr. Morgan completed a residency in General Surgery at Mercy Hospital - Street Memorial in Vicksburg, MS and at the University Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He practiced surgery in Biloxi and Vicksburg prior to entering public health service with the Mississippi State Department of Health.
He was the first Executive Officer chosen to direct the operation of the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure following its creation by the Legislature in 1980 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1993. Under his capable leadership the Mississippi Medical Board was recognized both state-wide and nationally as a leader in acting on behalf of the public and also in aiding physicians in the resumption of their medical practices after suffering from chemical dependency or other professional problems. The Board was ranked consistently in the top six U.S. states based on actions taken throughout the nation. In addition, Dr. Morgan served in numerous capacities in the Federation of State Medical Boards, Ft. Worth, TX with special emphasis on the FLEX medical licensure examinations, having been Chairman of the FLEX III Exam Board. In 1993, he received the prestigious Dr. John H. Clark Leadership Award, presented yearly by the Federation of State Medical Boards. He held an appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor of Preventive Medicine at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine while he was Executive Director of the State Board of Medical Licensure.
When Hurricane Camille struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he was Mississippi’s Assistant State Health Officer. Being fortunate in getting to the coast 2 days later, he was named a member of the Governor’s Task Force representing the Mississippi State Board of Health in medical, public health and clean-up operations. The U.S. Navy placed him on temporary active duty for a period of time, making his responsibilities and involvement easier to achieve. For this service, he was awarded the Navy Commendation.
Dr. Morgan served the people of Mississippi and the medical profession well throughout his entire career.
He was a member of Broadmeadow Methodist Church and held membership in the American Medical Association, Mississippi State Medical Association, and Central Medical Society, serving as a delegate since 1985. He held memberships in the American College of Preventive Medicine, American Public Health Association, Tulane Medical Alumni Association, University of Mississippi Alumni Association, Sigma Nu Fraternity, Phi Chi Medical Fraternity, the Reserve Officers Association (ROA), Naval Reserve Association (AUSN), and Society of U.S. Naval Flight Surgeons (SUSNFS).
Survivors include nieces, Cindy Ellen Beckham of Flowood, MS, Sarah Helen Beckham of Tupelo, MS, and Ann Morgan Cruit of Vestavia, AL; nephews Dr. James Ray Beckham (Donna) of Greenville, MS, Aubrey Morgan Beckham (ElizaBeth) of Leland, MS, Glenn Field Beckham (Susan) of Greenwood, MS, and James Thomas (Jim) Morgan, Jr. (Vickie) of Spanish Fort, AL. He also leaves great nieces, great nephews, and cousins along with a host of personal and professional friends.
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to friends/neighbors Todd Sudduth, Robert Mooney, and Anthony Cooper for their unwavering devotion in recent years.
The family requests donations in his memory be made to Blair Batson Children’s Hospital, UMC, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, Broadmeadow Methodist Church, 4419 Broadmeadow St., Jackson, MS, or a charity of your choice.
For more information and an online guestbook, please visit www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com.
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