From Sailor to Servant Leader: Remembering Dr. William Kenneth Morgan

This September, we remember Dr. William Kenneth “Doc” Morgan, Sr., whose life embodied service to country, community, and family.

Born in Fairmont, NC, in 1933, Dr. Morgan pursued both academics and athletics with distinction before attending the UNC School of Dentistry. Upon graduation in 1959, he entered the United States Naval Dental Corps. He was assigned to the Marine Corps Air Facility at New River, where he had the honor of serving with the Marine Air Corps Helicopter group. His service in the Carolinas laid the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and compassion.

After completing his Naval service, Dr. Morgan opened his dental practice in Jacksonville in 1961. For the next 60 years, he cared for generations of patients and earned recognition at the local, state, national, and international levels of his profession. Beyond dentistry, he gave tirelessly to his church, his city, and countless civic organizations. He and his wife, Mary, were awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2016 and were honored as United Way’s Fabric of the Community awardees in 2018.

Yet, perhaps what best defined Dr. Morgan was his belief that service to humanity is life’s greatest work. From founding youth football programs to leading dental missions in Haiti, he inspired courage, teamwork, and compassion in all who knew him.

Dr. Morgan passed away on January 7, 2025, leaving behind Mary, his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His legacy continues through the many lives he touched in Onslow County and far beyond.

We are honored to share his story as part of our ongoing tribute to Carolina Marines and Sailors who served faithfully here and carried their values into their communities.