Cecil Embry Morgan,Sr., 85, died peacefully at his home on January 12, 2010 with his family by his side. He was born in Montgomery County on February 19, 1924 to the late Alonzo and Louise Davis Morgan. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Bullock Morgan of Dallas, Georgia, brother, Harry H. Morgan, and sister Anne Van Sickle, both of Clarksville, Tennessee. Visitation will be at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home on Friday, January 15th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A celebration of his life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Clarksville, Tennessee with the Reverend David Forney officiating on Saturday, January 16th at 2:00 pm. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery will be private. Mr. Morgan was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon. He was a well-known local farmer and contractor. In 1995, Mr. Morgan received the Master Conservationist Award. In 2001, his family received the Montgomery County Farm Family of the year award. Mr. Morgan has been a member of the local, state, and national Cattleman's Association. He was a charter member of the Montgomery Central Civitan Club and served as President. Mr. Morgan was named an Honorary Chapter Farmer by the Montgomery Central High School Future Farmers of America. He served on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Road Builders Association. In 1948, Mr. Morgan began his construction career by doing farm work. His company grew during the 50's and 60's, projects include building sections of Interstates 40, 65, and 75 in Tennessee and Kentucky. Local highway projects include the building of Riverside Drive, Kraft Street and the widening of 41A North and South and countless commercial and industrial projects over the last 60 years.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Shanklin Morgan of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, his sister Imogene Turrentine of Marietta, Georgia and his brother William D. Morgan of Clarksville, Tennessee. He is the father of six children, Cecil Morgan, Jr. (Mary Beth), David Morgan (Barbara), Cheryl Morgan Barton (Ted), Margaret Morgan Adames (Leo), Gene Morgan (Kathy), Don Morgan (Sarah) and son of his heart, Sam Lyle Jr. (Leona), and Maribel Cooper, devoted caregiver. He has 15 grandchildren, Cecil Morgan, III, Benjamin Morgan, David Morgan,Jr., Wade Morgan, Sam Morgan, Jeff Nuckolls, Emily Nuckolls Vaughn, Mary Kathryn Barton, Morgan Adames, Julia Adames Purdue, Martha Morgan Runkle, Katherine Morgan, Laura Morgan, Don Morgan, Jr. and Lance Morgan. He has two great-grandchildren, Ashley Morgan and Elijah Barton.
Serving as pallbearers will be Mr. Morgan's grandsons and Dale Lyle,, his farm manager. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Service Committee, 213 Main Street, Clarksville, Tennessee 37040, The Tabernacle Christian School Fund, 303 Market Street, Clarksville, Tennessee 37042, or Austin Peay State University, University Advancement, P.O. Box 4417, Clarksville, TN 37044. Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, Tennessee 37040. Online condolences may be made at www.neal-tarpley.com.