William Nelson Morgan

We celebrate the life of William Nelson Morgan, who was born on August 28, 1935, to Nelson Miles and Mary Mildred Donley Morgan of New Straitsville in Perry County, Ohio. Bill had an older sister Helen Louise, who he loved and adored. Bill left his earthly life on November 30, 2024.

Bill enjoyed all the normal trappings of a young boy in southeastern Ohio. He did well in school and enjoyed team sports, especially basketball at New Straitsville High School, graduating in 1954. After high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1957 to 1960, with deployments in Europe, during the Cold War. His time in the military was served honorably.

When Bill returned from his service, he married Viriginia Lee Kopis in 1961 and started their family. Throughout the 1960’s Bill served in several capacities to his community, as a Deputy Sheriff within Perry County and as Mayor of Shawnee. About this time Bill became increasingly involved in statewide politics, which developed into a lifelong friendship with James A. Rhodes, who would be Ohio’s longest serving Governor.

Bill spent the majority of his professional life, as Senior Vice President of the Ohio Bankers Association, an organization whose members were well-served by his advocacy at the Statehouse and the innumerable friendships he developed within both the Ohio House, Ohio Senate and every area of Ohio Government. In his time as lobbyist for the Ohio Bankers, Bill proved himself to be an honest and reliable partner to many elected officials. His advice and counsel were sought after and respected by many state leaders and agency directors. During his professional career, Bill not only earned the confidence and admiration of his colleagues, but also the respect of Ohio’s leaders for decades. From Governors of all political parties and many statewide leaders, along with Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Bush, Bill was a dependable confidante and advisor for so many significant issues. He was instrumental in promoting, at the urging of Governor Rhodes, the Association of Ohio Commodores, where he served as Grand Commodore for two years and was presented with a lifetime membership certificate. This organization was established and continues to aid all Governors of Ohio to ensure the trade and economic strength of all Ohio businesses and manufacturing interests, also Bill was currently the longest serving member of the Ohio Ballot Board. Several years ago, Bill was acknowledged for his work in Appalachia and throughout rural Ohio. He made it a priority to promote the Southeastern region, where he grew up and that he loved so dearly.

Ultimately Bill was a devoted husband to the love of his life Virginia with whom he enjoyed 56 wonderful years of marriage. The raising of their four children Scott, Susan, Stacy and Sharon was what he called “His Honor”.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson Miles and Mary Mildred Morgan; his infant sister Dorothy Ann, sister Helen (Dane) Starr and beloved wife Virginia; many precious family and treasured friends.

Bill is survived by his children Scott, Susan (John) Kougendakis, Stacy and Sharon (Curt) Mayhew, along with his grandchildren Kristen (Tony) Kovach, Katelyn (Brad) Large, Chelsea (Charles) Peery, Christopher (Ashley) Morgan, Michael Morgan, Kelly (Jackson) Gantz and William (Makayla) Mayhew, along with great grandchildren Alexia Tackett, Cameron Kougendakis, Lena, Brewer, and Otto Large, Kyrie and Dakota Morgan; nephews Luke, Jim, Bill and Tom Starr.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Friday December 6, 2024, at the Shawnee Methodist Church 317 E. Walnut Street, Shawnee with Pastor Mike Martin officiating.

Interment: New Straitsville Cemetery

Friends may call from 11:00am until 2:00 pm at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio 35 Public Square Nelsonville, Ohio 45764 or to the Youth Leadership Association C/O David King Horseshoe Leadership Center 3309 Horseshoe Run Road Parsons, WV 26287

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