Henry Tom Morgan's Obituary
Henry T. "Coach Tom" Morgan, Sr., 80, of Tavares, passed away on Tuesday, March 10th, 2009. Born in Ashland, KY on June 27th, 1928 to the late Martha K. and Luther T. Morgan, he was raised in Coalwood, WV. He was a graduate of Big Creek High School, War, WV. He later graduated from the University of Florida, where he played on the Gator Basketball team. He went on to earn a degree in Education/Physical Education and has remained an avid Gator fan. Tom served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict in the 10th Infantry Division. He worked for Olga Coal and taught school and coached for 5 years at Coalwood Junior High School. He moved his family to Tavares in 1960 from Coalwood. Tom taught and coached at Tavares High School until 1991 when he retired. During his career he proudly coached the Tavares High School Basketball team to the State playoffs in the late 1970's. He was offered a coaching job in Tampa but turned it down to keep his family in Tavares. He touched the lives of many students and athletes with his dedication to education and sports. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tavares, the Athletic Director at Tavares High School for several years, was a member and Past President of the Tavares Lion's Club, a member of the Tavares American Legion Post and the VFW, served on the Board of Directors of the Tavares Library, was a past member of the Tavares Junior Chamber of Commerce, was a member of the Lake County Retired Educators Association where he served on the Scholarship Committee and was a former member of the Florida High School Coaches Association. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Carolyn McMillan Morgan. He is remembered by his sons, Henry T. Morgan, Jr. of Tavares and Keith A. Morgan of Plantation, FL, daughter, Valerie M. Allen of Umatilla, sister, Jane Bennett of Eustis, grandsons, Jamie Allen and Troy Allen and several dear nephews and a dear niece. Visitation will be held today, Friday from 5-8 PM at the funeral home. A Funeral Service is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Umatilla. Burial will follow at Tavares Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the Florida Hospital Waterman Foundation, 1500 Waterman Way, Tavares, FL 32778. Arrangements entrusted to Steverson-Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, Tavares, FL, 352-343-4444.
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