Julian Morgan

Julian Banagia Morgan, a longtime resident of Long Beach, MS, died on Wednesday, February 15, 2017.
J.B., as he was known by friends and associates, or Dae, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, was born on October 12, 1925, in Asheville, NC, to Ruth Emily Vogt Morgan and Julian Sr. Later, the family moved to upstate New York until moving to Tuscaloosa, AL, and then to Montgomery.
In 1952, J. B. married Mary Jean Hawkins, and they had three children: Bonnie, Sonny, and Sandra. After moving from Montgomery where he often worked three jobs to support his family, they moved to Phenix City, AL; Columbus, GA; Atlanta, GA; and Union City, TN. He also served as music director for some churches in the 1950s, including Ladonia Baptist in Phenix City and Central Baptist in Martin, TN. They settled in Long Beach in 1963 where he and his wife have lived for fifty-four years, except for a brief time in Mobile, AL, in 1968. He spent his primary career in sales, including the Office Supply Company of Gulfport, during which time he helped to restore the function of the Port after Camille, provided the young Stennis Space Center with essential duplicating equipment, and assisting in the furnishing of the then-new Mississippi Power Company building. He later worked for Curtis Industries and received several awards, including Salesman of the Year.
Due to his struggles with bipolar depression, J. B. became involved in the mental health field, teaching family-to-family education classes and assisting with support groups. He was appreciative of Charlotte Newman and Brian Maher for their support and guidance over the years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Long Beach where he was in the church choir for many years and in a men's Sunday School class until his passing.
J. B. attended the University of Alabama for two years as a young man and was Lead Alto Saxophone for UA's Million Dollar Band. In 1999, he returned to school at the University of Southern Mississippi and completed his bachelor's degree in history in 2008, at the age of 83. He credited his family and his advisor, J. Pat Smith, for encouraging him, so late in life, to achieve this goal.
Julian Morgan was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-one years Mary Jean Morgan, and by his sister Clara Jarrett.
He is survived by his brother, Rudy Morgan of Pike Road, AL; his daughters, Sandra (Elvis) Presley of DeLisle and Bonnie (Steve) McNeal of Kiln; his son, Sonny Morgan of Kiln; his former children-in-law Karen Morgan and Cliff Kirkland. He is survived by his grandchildren, Paul Kirkland, Daliance (Craig) Ross, Ben Morgan, Julie Presley, and Petie Close; and five great-grandchildren: Greysen, Bryson, McRae, Jack, and Rylan.
The family thanks Elizabeth, his and Mother's home health nurse (TLC), his pastor LaRue Stephens, his music and choir director John McCall, his Sunday School teacher Donald Dana, and his hearing aid provider Nelson Garrett, all for their long-time care, support, compassion, and friendship.
The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 11:00 A. M., at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach, with a visitation for family and friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Gulf Pines, Gethsemane, on 28th St. in Long Beach.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.