George "Bill" William Morgan Jr.

George, who preferred to be called “Bill”, was born in Mesa, Arizona on July 3, 1937. He was the fourth, and youngest, child of Ruby Mae and George W. Morgan, Sr. The family moved to Longview, Washington while Bill was a young boy. Bill graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1955. After graduating high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force. His military career was cut short after a farming accident severely injured his stepfather and Bill was discharged from the military, allowing him to return home to take over and run the farm.

Shortly after returning to Washington State, Bill met and married his first wife in 1958. They had three children together. At this time, Bill entered the paper industry. He would spend the remainder of his working life in paper and packaging, an industry he was passionate about, including working for 43 years with Willamette Industries. A dedicated and hard worker, Bill successfully worked his way into ever-increasing positions of responsibility: beginning as a machine operator, then becoming a supervisor, superintendent and plant manager before achieving the role of general manager. His career took him from Washington state to California, where he attended Long Beach City College, back to Washington and ultimately to Texas, where he ran corrugated box facilities in Dallas and Sealy. Bill believed strongly in giving back; he considered his greatest professional accomplishment to be the development of dozens of people who went on to be future leaders in his industry.

It was during his second stint in Washington that Bill met Susan Ann Brookbank, who would become his great partner in life. Bill and Susie would marry in April of 1971 and spend the next 55 years together. Susie had three young daughters that Bill raised and loved. Valuing family above all else, Bill and Susie successfully combined all six children into a truly blended family.

Bill and Susie developed a passion for travel, visiting over 80 countries and seeing every continent except Antarctica. In their retirement years, they became avid “cruisers” – enjoying 22 cruises together- and continued to see the world but at a more relaxed pace. Some of their favorite places to visit were Istanbul, Rio de Janeiro and Rome.

In addition to his love of travel, Bill had many other interests. He loved games and sports, among these interests were bowling, baseball (he was a life-long LA Dodgers fan), and football. His favorite pastimes were golf, cribbage, and fishing, all of which he taught to his children and grandchildren. Among his most cherished memories are the several trips made to Alaska to fish with his friends, sons and grandsons.

Bill’s faith was a tremendously important part of his life. He joined the Catholic Church in 1989, while living in Arlington, Texas. After moving to Sulphur, Louisiana in 2017, Bill and Susie became members at Immaculate Conception, where they were active participants in church activities. Once again, in the spirit of giving back, Bill often gave generously to assist others, though this was usually done anonymously.

Bill is survived by his wife, Susie, along with his six children: daughters, Rhonda Larson, Laura Nelson and husband Ron, Kathy Doty and husband Ron, Michelle Barton and husband Bob; sons, Richard Morgan and wife Christine and John Morgan and wife Pennie. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; his sister; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was a deeply loved husband, father, son, grandfather, uncle and brother. After developing an illness in his final months, his passing was ultimately peaceful.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sulphur, Louisiana on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 am, with Father Timothy Goodly officiating. A time of Visitation will begin at 9:30 am, with a Rosary at 10:00 am, followed by the Mass at 11:00 am at the church.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com.