OBITUARY
William H. Morgan
August 12, 1929 – March 21, 2014
MORGAN, William H., age 84, of Rochester, passed away March 21, 2014. A graduate of Michigan State University and one of its most ardent supporters, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Korean Conflict. He began his career with Elias Brothers Restaurants as a restaurant manager, working his way from the kitchen to the executive offices by serving the company in nearly every capacity. In 2001 Bill retired as the Senior Vice President of Big Boy International and was involved in growing the company from three initial establishments to the oversight of over 700 Big Boy franchises worldwide and stadium contracts in Michigan and Ohio. A tennis enthusiast, Bill founded and co-owned the Rochester Hills Racquet Club which evolved into the Rochester Hills Tennis and Swim Club. Always a contributor to the growth and well being for the cities of Rochester and Rochester Hills, he served as the President of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Crittenton Development Council and the Greater Rochester Prayer Breakfast. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the Rochester Rotary and the Avon Players. The definition of a loyal Spartan, Bill often answered the phone, “Spartan Locker Room,” and was a season football ticket holder for over 35 years. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the MSU Alumni Association and served as a Director and Board Member of the MSU Development Council. Bill personified community and his community was large. He was quoted as saying, “When you give nobly of yourself and your time, everyone wins. People with heart make the greatest difference in our community.” Bill was the husband and best friend of Helen, his wife of 55 years, who preceded him in death on September 10, 2011. Devoted and loving father of Mary Morgan, Martha Morgan and Bill (Susan) Morgan. Cherished and respected grandfather of Ruth, Molly, Jennifer and Stephanie. Also surviving Bill are his many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo St. in Rochester. Visitation on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at PIXLEY FUNERAL HOME, 322 W. University Drive in downtown Rochester. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions in Bill’s memory be made to “The William H. and Helen Elias Morgan Scholarship,” Scholarship Allocation Code: A20002065, Michigan State University. 632 Bogue St., N505, East Lansing, MI 48824 or to The Crittenton Foundation, 1101 W. University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307.
Services
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Visitation
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
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Visitation
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
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Memorial Service
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Memories
William H. Morgan
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ADD A MEMORYApril 5, 2014
I just found out about the passing of Bill Morgan as I live up North now. My years playing and working at Rochester Hills with Bill were wonderful as he and Helen were such great people. Nancy Butson Elk Rapids, Mi
March 30, 2014
Martha,
I just learned of your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your dad was a great guy and one of the strongest school supporters I encountered in my 35 year career in education. I have such fond memories of both of your wonderful parents.
In deepest sympathy, Gary Doyle
Carol Schroeder (Gray)
March 27, 2014
Bill was absolutely the best! No one ever uttered an unkind word about him. Simply adored by all and a person you could count on to help in any situation. He was a devoted husband to Helen and a loving family man. Fortunately I was able to visit him in Ohio with Barb. Even then the same charm and care was there. He was a true hero and gentleman. Love you, Bill.
Tierney Orfgen
March 26, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morgan family at this time. Bill made such a difference in our lives. We will remember that smile, his warm heart, and his generosity of spirit. He truly made the world a better place with his presence and he is sorely missed.
March 26, 2014
Martha, My dear childhood friend. I know that sounds old fashion, but it is so true! I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. After reading his obituary, I am in awe of him. What a man! Your parents were always so nice, funny, and welcoming. Please take care of yourself, and I will keep your parents, and your family in my thoughts and prayers. xo, Stacey (Lippert) Read
Jay / Judi Tragle
March 25, 2014
Our sympathy and prayers to the family of Bill Morgan. We remember Bill as a warm, friendly, courteous gentleman who was kind and pleasant to us and our children. We fondly remember our years of tennis at the Rochester Hills Tennis and Swim Club. All of our children became a part of the club at age four when they joined the Hot Dog Specials for little tots. They enjoyed their experiences so much they continued their love for tennis through high school and college. Judi and I enjoyed the Friday Night Mixers and the Junior Tournaments, they were a part of our lives years ago. I also fondly remember the Permanent Court Time which was enjoyed for 28 years along with many many other tennis friends These fond memories were made possible by Bill and the other owners and will be cherished forever.
March 25, 2014
Dear Morgan Family: a sad day but I can imagine H saying Hi Honey happy to see you. We miss them both ever so much.
Aloha Mal & Florence Johnson
Dave Wattles
March 25, 2014
My sincere thoughts and prayers to the entire family. I will always be grateful for being able to share moments in time with Bill & Helen as a kid. Laughing, learning and enjoying special times,still remember them because of Mr. & Mrs Morgan. Rest in Peace.
Barbara Kitchen
March 25, 2014
What a wonderful gift Bill Morgan was to many organizations and individuals. He was truly a special person to me and my family. He is in a better place with the love of his life.
Frank Music
March 25, 2014
We both had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years. He and Helen were a classy couple, always warm, kind and fun to be with. Our sympathy for their family, Frank and Carrie Music
Andi
March 24, 2014
Bill was a wonderful and generous man who graciously made me a part of his large chosen family. I thank Bill and Helen for their most important legacy of all --- three beautiful children and daughter in law, and four remarkable grandchildren. Bill, as we truly love you, you will never leave us.
Mike Sugameli
March 24, 2014
Bill Morgan was the kindest and most charismatic man I have ever met. He loved people and people instantly loved him. He had many favorite sayings, like "Welcome to the Big Ten." He and Helen were a perfect couple on earth and now in heaven. He will be remembered often and fondly.
Paul and Diane Haig
March 23, 2014
Bill was always a positive force wherever he was , and he could reach across the world to make a difference .He sent a business associate to help me and my wife Diane in Indonesia when I was injured . We will always remember that the gentleman said Sir William Morgan sent me ,and Bill was always Sir William to us .. He was a great mentor and a friend .Bill and Helen will always be an inspiration to us
Bill Connellan
March 23, 2014
Bill exemplified everything positive about the Rochester area. He was a mentor to many of us (sometimes without knowing it). I certainly learned a lot about life and work from him.
Fred Elias Jr.
March 23, 2014
Uncle Bill was an important part of almost my whole life. I remember meeting him for the first time at Grandpa's house about 1952. Over the years he would be a positive influence on me as uncle, friend and mentor.
Rest in Peace Uncle Bill, I know a lot of people are glad to see you again.
Therese Abdoo
March 23, 2014
What a great man. I had the privilege of meeting Bill at the tennis club years ago. Much to my surprise, he was a fraternity brother/friend of my best friend's father from MSU. He was truly one-of-a-kind.
Susan (Thompson) Mannlein
March 23, 2014
Martha,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the loss of your dad. He certainly has an amazing legacy and is undoubtedly watching the Spartans play in the NCAA tourney from above. With love...
Bill & Ester Greig
March 23, 2014
Simply, one of the greatest human beings I have ever had the honor of knowing. GO GREEN, GO WHITE; FOREVER my friend.
Jim Girardot
March 23, 2014
He'll lead the band in Heaven! What an energetic, positive guy! Gave me my first job when I was in high school. He and Helen were great Rochester friends!! All my thoughts to his family: you still have a great father and a super grandfather.
March 23, 2014
So many memories of both Helen and Bill, and the familyl....all good. The video was delightful, thanks for that. God Bless all of you. Bette Wattles Williams
Joanne Swanson-Hauncher
March 23, 2014
Bill was a wonderful man-always with a smile on his face and a careing heart. Go Green!
John Murphy
March 23, 2014
Terrific man! I worked summers for his son, Bill Junior, at the commissary in Warren. one summer I help Mr. Morgan build a deck in his back yard. What a wonderful and kind man!
John Murphy
Los Angeles, CA
David & Terri Hunt
March 23, 2014
Bill Morgan was one of the most awesome men who ever lived. His leadership, support, mentoring, and caring for thousands of people over the years, will have impact in this world forever. I knew him my entire life - he will always be Uncle Bill to me. He had no idea the amount of influence he had in my young life, and then throughout my career at Elias Brothers. He loved my family - and he treated all of us (and everyone he met) like his extended family. Thank you Mary, Bill, and Martha for sharing him with us. His memory will live on forever because he taught us "people with heart make the greatest difference in our community."
sheila & Brian Manning
March 23, 2014
My husband and I both worked at Big Boy with Mr. Morgan and will remember him as a very kind & gentle man that always had a smile on his face. Heaven has truly gained an angel.
Charlie McSwigan jr
March 23, 2014
No matter what the problem was, he always had a smile on his face. It was a pleasure to have known him. REST IN PEACE
Sandra Woods
March 23, 2014
I remember working with Bill of the Elias Brothers prior to and after the opening of the Pontiac Silverdome, formerely known as the Pontiac Stadium. Bill and those of us with The Pontiac Stadium Authority were able to capture the first Super Bowl played in the North. What a professional and a gentleman.
Jocil Rogus
March 22, 2014
We have lost the Prince of the Universe. I will always remember his kindness, his wit, and his smile.