MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2024 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Boyd, Hopson, Michel, Suber, Sparks, Berry, Blackwell, Chassaniol, Chism, Fillingane, Frazier, McCaughn, Parker, Seymour, Whaley, McMahan, Kirby
A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF RENOWNED BUSINESSMAN, FORMER LAFAYETTE COUNTY SUPERVISOR AND FORMER STATE SENATOR, JOHN (JOHNNY) JORDAN MORGAN OF OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, the Legislature and the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend, colleague, well-known businessman, long-tenured public servant and gentleman, John (Johnny) Jordan Morgan, 76, of Oxford, Mississippi, who passed away on May 17, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Johnny Morgan was born February 20, 1947, in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Eddie Mack and Beryl Jordan Morgan. A lifelong resident of Oxford and Lafayette County, he graduated from Oxford High School in 1965 and graduated from The University of Mississippi with a degree in Business Administration; and
WHEREAS, Johnny Morgan's passion for serving Mississippi and its residents was evident to all who knew him. He worked tirelessly for the betterment of not just his own community, but all of Mississippi. He served as State Senator from 1984-1992, representing Lafayette, Yalobusha and Calhoun counties. He was later elected to serve on the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors for District 2, serving as president of the board for several years; and
WHEREAS, former Senator Johnny Morgan also co-founded the Good Ole Boys and Gals BBQ, an annual gathering of friends, candidates and political enthusiasts from across the state. The event, held on his property, served as a non-partisan affair for people from all parties and affiliations. Johnny looked forward to it each year and how it brought people from the entire state together. Throughout his political career, Johnny Morgan garnered a reputation as not only a competent politician, but a loyal friend and confidant to many. Governor Tate Reeves summed this up best: "Johnny Morgan was perhaps the most fiercely loyal person I ever met. If he was with you...He was WITH you! He loved Ole Miss, Mississippi Politics - and life!"; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Governor C. Delbert Hosemann, Jr., upon hearing of the passing of his friend, proclaimed, "Our State and Johnny's legions of friends have lost laughter, a warm smile, a brilliant businessman, and a community and political leader"; and
WHEREAS, Johnny Morgan served as president of the Oxford - Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce, and also served on other boards such as the Oxford - University United Methodist Church, Mississippi Action for Progress, Mississippi Blood Services and the local Powerhouse board. He was an owner and founder of Morgan White Insurance Group and CEO of Johnny Morgan & Associates Realty Firm, as well as vice president of Binswanger National; and
WHEREAS, Johnny Morgan is survived by his brother, Chip Morgan (Connie); nephew and niece, Trey Sandifer (Camille) and Lindsey Sheffield (Jason); four great-nieces and nephews; his dear friend, Allyson Duckworth; and numerous cousins and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Senator Morgan's life and service were marked by his commitment to success and recognized leadership, sound judgment and fairness. He set the highest standard in all his many roles as a businessman, citizen, statesman and leader in the Mississippi Senate and as a true friend. His love, commitment and lasting impact on the Mississippi Legislature will be missed:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, that we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life, career and legacy of renowned businessman, former Lafayette County Supervisor and former State Senator Johnny Jordan Morgan of Lafayette County, Mississippi, and extend the condolences and sympathy of the Mississippi Senate to his family and friends.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of Johnny Morgan, forwarded to the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.