Remembering Keath Morgan: Community honors late WWII veteran

HOUSTON COUNTY, GA. — The community paid tribute to Keath Morgan, who passed away on June 3, 2023, at the age of 100.

Morgan was a WWII veteran, the grand marshal of parades, a transmission mechanic, a public speaker, and was loved by his communities, be it Houston County or his fellow veterans. Notably, he survived the Battle of the Bulge, which was the German’s last offensive campaign during World War II.

“One of the main things that started all this was several years ago, for his birthday… we met some members of Rolling Thunder… they wanted to do a birthday party for daddy… we started thinking ‘It would be neat to do it for all veterans’… and then we discovered there were 13 more veterans in the area,” said Becky Mann, Morgan’s daughter.

When she was initially told there were going to be 25 motorcyclists coming through to honor the veterans she said, “Oh that’ll be wonderful.”

But much to her surprise, over 250 people showed up. People including local politicians, mayors, congressmen, and senators sent notices, letters to the veterans, or attended. And most of the Rolling Thunder motorcyclists, many being military vets themselves, came up and saluted Morgan and the other vets.

“Every year Rolling Thunder has done a ride by for my dad, and it just boosted his spirits and made him feel loved and thought of… Rolling Thunder just has my highest respect and regards,” said Mann.

After this large event, he started getting recognition from other groups. One is the Rotary Club, which took Morgan on the Honor Flight, which flies veterans from all over the country out to Washington D.C. free of cost, so they can see their memorial.

For his funeral, people from the honor guard came, and so too did veterans and other friends and family.

“Because of our faith, we’re not here to say goodbye, we’re just here to say we’ll see you later.” said Ralph “Rusty” Simpson, a retired judge, during his eulogy to Morgan.

When asked about what she thought her father did for the community Mann said, “I think he brought awareness to the fact that we are blessed to still have World War II veterans and we have veterans from so many years right here in this area. And just to know that they’re here, let’s appreciate them.”

Memorial contributions can be made to Rolling Thunder Georgia 3, PO Box 10495, Warner Robins, GA 31095, RollingThunderGeorgia3@gmail.com in memory of Keath Morgan.

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