John E. Morgan II

John Elliott Morgan II April 30, 1948 to May 1, 2025 Dr. John Elliott Morgan II, age 77, entered Heaven’s gates on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from Collinsville, Alabama, having been surrounded in his final weeks by family, friends, and loved ones. He was born on April 30, 1948 in Nashville, Tennessee, the son of the late John Elliott Morgan and Joyce Bradbury Morgan. Morgan grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, where his family attended Dalewood Baptist Church. While at summer camp as a young man, he committed himself to following Jesus, a monumental decision which changed the course of his life. A second life-changing experience came when Gloria Roberts and her family, originally from Mississippi, moved from Memphis to Nashville in 1961. High school sweethearts whose backyards connected, they married in 1970 and went on to celebrate a beautiful, loving marriage for 54 years. After graduating from Stratford High School, John went to Tennessee Technological University, where he served as president of the Baptist Student Union and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. In 1970 he began a career as a foreman at U.S. Steel in Birmingham, Alabama, but after three years felt called into Christian ministry. He answered this calling, going to Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he studied theology, brought two sons into the world, and served as Youth Minister for four years at Howard Park Christian Church. After graduating with a Master of Divinity degree, he was called to Collinsville Baptist Church in Collinsville, Alabama, where he served as Pastor for 46 and a half years, from November of 1977 to April of 2024. During that time, two more sons were added to the family, and he completed his Doctorate of Ministry from Southern Seminary. As a pastor, “Brother John” baptized hundreds of people, performed numerous marriages, visited countless people who were sick, comforted and honored families through funerals, and led worship thousands of times. He also led dozens of mission trips and retreats, working to fulfill the great commission and giving more than a few people their first opportunity to travel and experience new places and opportunities. He genuinely loved God and loved people and shepherded God’s flock in spiritual growth and discipleship with joyful exuberance. John was proud of his Baptist heritage, its history of promoting religious liberty, and its distinctive beliefs and freedoms. He also believed that collaboration is important, and he worked across denominational and faith lines, coordinating efforts to bring God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” In addition to his role as a pastor, Brother John was very active in the community. For many years he coached numerous youth sports teams and provided substitute teaching. For over 30 years he served as Collinsville High School basketball and football bookkeeper and statistician, providing his stats to local media outlets throughout the region. He also was employed for several years at H&R Block in Collinsville; served as a poll worker and planned and led community events with the Collinsville Ministerial Association (and other organizations). He dedicated his life to serving God and serving his community. Brother John loved sports, played basketball, softball, and volleyball for decades, and was an avid runner, competing in many races, including his favorite, the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, Georgia for many years. In more recent years he added walking, averaging 6 or more miles per day. He was also a lifelong photographer and was often seen making pictures with his camera. He loved to travel with his family, visited 48 of 50 states, and took three religious pilgrimages to the Holy Land in Israel and the surrounding areas. His playful spirit made him seem like a child at heart. Brother John loved his children, grandchildren, and the children of his church and community. He was often a “pied piper”, with children following him in laughter and joy. As they grew older, he became a second father to some, helping them to navigate life’s challenges. Morgan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gloria Roberts Morgan; his four children and their families: John (Susan), Mark (Glenda), Matthew (Whitney), and Joseph; his seven grandchildren: Elijah, Isaiah, Sarah, Hannah, Bentley, Gloria, and Priya; two sisters: Patricia (Tilden) Tippit, and Martha (Dianne) Morgan, nephews and nieces, Kerry, Kitty, and Kyle Davidson, and Keith (Jean) Tippit, and their families, along with many other extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father John, mother Joyce, and sister, Kathleen Singletary. A quiet burial will be held in Collinsville Cemetery prior to a celebration of his life. Brother John's family invites all who loved him and his family to celebrate a life of love, faith, service, and joy on Saturday, May 10th at 1 p.m., at Collinsville Baptist Church, 4276 AL HWY 68, in Collinsville, Alabama. Brother John loved to see people enjoying good food, conversation and fellowship at the church. To honor that, you are invited to bring a “finger foods” dish to share as the celebration continues over refreshments after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has created the John Morgan Missions and Scholarship Fund that will help fund Collinsville Baptist Church mission trips and spiritual retreats and provide scholarships for higher education to graduating Collinsville High School students. Donations to this fund can be made through the memorial website that has been created for him at https://everloved.com/life-of/john-morgan-ii/ . Donations to this fund can also be made by sending cash to the church with a note that says, "John Morgan Memorial" or by writing a check made out to "Collinsville Baptist Church" with a memo that says “John Morgan Memorial” and mailing it to Collinsville Baptist Church, P. O. Box 558, Collinsville, AL 35961. Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.

John E. Morgan II

April 30, 1948 - May 1, 2025