Biography:
Stephen Wesley Morgan
Husband, father, and grandfather, was called to join the heavenly choir on July 12, 2024.
Steve practiced dentistry for more than 40 years, in Tennessee and Arkansas. He did not treat patients, he treated individual human beings, giving each and every one his full attention, concern, expertise, and compassion. For those who best knew and loved him, he was "Doc", and it was both a title of respect for a man who brought his scientific curiosity to every aspect of life and a term of endearment for a man whose Christian faith was immanent throughout his life.
Born in Memphis to Jack and Peggy Morgan on November 5, 1949, Steve became an Eagle Scout and graduated from Central High School, University of Memphis, and University of Tennessee Dental School. Early on he discovered his great passion for nature. From canoeing and camping with his beloved spouse Judy on the Buffalo and Spring Rivers to teaching his two daughters about our vital connection to the great outdoors, he was spiritually at home in nature. Like Wordsworth, he knew that if he "brought an open heart" that he would see and find and learn in nature.
He was also most at home at home. Steve loved sharing the adventures and challenges of life with Judy. They were husband and wife and they were partners. Chronic health issues over the past several years tested them, and along with medical help their chief strategy in helping one another was the constancy of their love and faith. Steve loved being father, teacher, guide, and cheerleader for their daughters. His family and family of friends will remember also his wry humor, his thoughtfulness and generosity, his contemplative essence, his scuba diving exploits, his humility, his talent as a guitarist, and his love of music, particularly The Beatles.
Steve’s favorite quote was “I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds tomorrow.” At the heart of Steve and Judy's home and family, one always found Christ. Christ's example of unconditional and redeeming love guided all their journeying, both together and as individuals.
Steve was a member of Fellowship Midtown Church in Little Rock.
He leaves his loving and dearly loved spouse, Judy, his daughter Beth Payne and son-in-law Scott, of Louisville, KY, his daughter Ryan O'Malley and son-in-law Larry of Cammack Village, AR, and granddaughters Amelia Payne and Bailey O’Malley.
The family asks that any donations be made in memory of Steve to Buffalo National River Partners at https://bnrpartners.org/memorial-bnrp