Lehman Harvey (Luke) Morgan passed away at his residence in Douglas, GA on Thursday, May 23, 2013, after an extended illness. Mr. Morgan was born May 18, 1927 in Wray, Irwin County Georgia. He was the son of the late Lehman Lewis (Luke) Morgan and Mamie Harvey Morgan of Wray, GA. He was the grandson of the late Noel Lawson Morgan and Lovie Thomas Morgan of Screven, GA and the late John Harmon Harvey and Martha Highsmith Harvey also of Screven, Ga. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Jean Evans Morgan and his son Michael Lawson Morgan.
Mr. Morgan attended Auburn University and the University of Georgia. He was a World War II veteran having fought with the US Navy in the Pacific Fleet. He began working for Rayonier Inc. in 1956 and located to Eastman. Ga. where he remained for over 33 years. He was in charge of land acquisition for Rayonier as they began to acquire timberlands throughout Middle Georgia and Southeast Georgia. He retired after more than 30 years of service to the company. He served for over 15 years as a Director for the State of Georgia Forestry Commission. He also served as an aide to Governor Carl E. Sanders during his term as Governor, staying involved in politics throughout the state. He later was appointed to serve on the Board of the World Congress Center. He enjoyed golf, fishing, and hunting. He was an avid fan and supporter of Auburn University football. He retired to Douglas in 1989 spending much time there and at his home on Amelia Island Florida. Mr. Morgan was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. He previously served on the Diocesan Council for the Diocese of Georgia.
Mr. Morgan is survived by his son John Lehman Morgan and wife Jan Taylor Morgan of Ocilla, GA, son Luke Evans Morgan of Douglas, GA., daughter-in-law Vicki Williams Morgan of Statham, GA, six grandchildren Erin Morgan of St. Simons Island, GA., Lindsey Morgan of Ocilla, GA., Abbie Morgan Halbig and husband Carl of Tifton, GA., Lane Morgan of St. Simons Island, Ga., Melia Morgan Harrington and husband Wil of Chattanooga, TN., and Hayley Morgan of Ocilla, GA. , two great grand children John Lawton Morgan of Ocilla, GA and Hadley Halbig of Tifton. He is also survived by one brother in-law Miles Brewer and his wife Vicky of Macon, GA and two sister's in-law Evelyn Souther and Martha Evans both of Douglas, GA. Nieces and nephews surviving Mr. Morgan include Shelton Souther, Sheryl Souther Lott, Susan Souther Bailey, Scotty Souther, Rowan Evans, Carol Evans Maley, Ralph Evans all of Douglas. GA. and Ashley Brewer of Eastman, GA. Special thanks is given to his care givers Julia Rowell, Jo Ann Roberts, Jennifer Wooten, Portia Johnson, Mae Morris, Bethany Hospice, Allison Brice and Dr. Justin Harrell.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Douglas City Cemetery with the Reverend Father Curtis Mears officiating. Entombment will be in the Morgan Family Mausoleum.