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A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor of the life and legacy of Brigadier 1
General Billy Brandon Morgan. 2
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan was b orn on April 11, 1929, 3
in Puryear, Tennessee, and was raised in Benton, Kentucky, where he graduated from 4
Benton High School in 1947; and 5
WHEREAS, he pursued higher education at Freed -Hardeman College before 6
transferring to Murray State University, where h e earned a degree in business in 1950; 7
and 8
WHEREAS, in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was accepted 9
into the Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program, beginning a distinguished military career 10
marked by dedication, professionalism, and service to the nation, and 11
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan served as pilot instructor and 12
pilot in Germany and France during and after the Korean War, where he met and married 13
his sweetheart, Irene Whiteside, of Texas, and 14
WHEREAS, while stationed in Lubbock, Texas, he served as associate professor of 15
air science and commandant of cadets at Texas Tech University, where he earned a 16
Master of Arts degree in Government, and 17
WHEREAS, after returning to Benton in 1960, Brigadier General Billy Bra ndon 18
Morgan continued his service in the United States Air Force Reserve and the Tennessee 19
Air National Guard, flying troop and cargo missions during the Vietnam War; and 20
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan ultimately achieved the rank 21
of brigadier general in 1981, and retired in September 1985 after 35 years of honorable 22
active, reserve, and Air National Guard service, and 23
WHEREAS, throughout his military career he received numerous decorations and 24
commendations, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, National 25
Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Commendation Ribbon, 26
Armed Forces Longevity Service Award, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; and 27
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WHEREAS, Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan was a lifelong member of 1
the Benton Church of Christ, faithfully serving as a deacon for 25 years and as an elder 2
for 20 years, and 3
WHEREAS, he w as a founding supporter of the West Kentucky Children's Home, 4
now known as New Pathways for Children, and served for more than three decades on 5
the board of directors of the French African Christian Education in Benin, West Africa; 6
and 7
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan was a respected community 8
leader and businessman in Benton, Kentucky, serving as a principal owner, independent 9
insurance agent, and realtor with Morgan, Trevathan, and Gunn for 35 years; and 10
WHEREAS, he served his community in numerous leadership roles, including the 11
Benton City Council, the Benton Lions Club, the Marshall County Chamber of 12
Commerce, the Kentucky-Barkley Lake Board of Realtors, the Marshall County Hospital 13
Board of Directors, and as a founder and director of th e Marshall County High School 14
Athletic Foundation. He also served as chairman of the board of directors for Bradshaw 15
& Weil, Inc., as a director for several banks in western Kentucky, and was named to the 16
Marshall County Schools Distinguished Hall of Fame; and 17
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan was a devoted supporter of 18
higher education, serving as chairman and longtime member of the board of trustees for 19
Freed-Hardeman University, where he was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus and 20
received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree; and 21
WHEREAS, he was inducted into the Freed -Hardeman University Sports Hall of 22
Fame and the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association Hall of 23
Fame; and 24
WHEREAS, he was a lifetime member of the Murray State University Alumni 25
Association, served on the Murray State University Board of Regents, and received the 26
Distinguished Alumnus Award for Professional Achievement and the Golden Horseshoe 27
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Award for volunteer service to the university; and 1
WHEREAS, Brig adier General Billy Brandon Morgan was a devoted husband, 2
father, and family man who cherished time spent with his loved ones and enjoyed sharing 3
his passion for sports, whether cheering on his favorite teams or encouraging friendly 4
competition, using thos e moments to pass on lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and 5
character that will continue to guide those who knew and loved him, and 6
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan passed away peacefully on 7
February 28, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by his family, and 8
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Irene 9
Whiteside Morgan, and is survived by his daughter, Shannon Morgan (Daniel) West; his 10
son, Brandon W. (Janet) Morgan; his sisters, Patricia Hodges and Martha Kaye Lin coln; 11
his brother, Phillip Morgan; four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces 12
and nephews; and 13
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan was known for his wit, 14
wisdom, generosity, and devotion to family, faith, and community. He lea ves behind a 15
legacy that will continue to inspire the people of Marshall County and the 16
Commonwealth of the Kentucky; 17
NOW, THEREFORE, 18
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 19
Kentucky: 20
Section 1. The Senate honors the life, service, and legacy of Brigadier General 21
Billy Brandon Morgan and recognizes his extraordinary contributions to the United 22
States of America, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the community of Benton, 23
Kentucky. 24
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor and loving 25
memory of Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan. 26
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to tra nsmit a copy of this 27
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Resolution to Senator Danny Carroll for delivery to the family. 1