Charles Andrew Morgan

September 16, 1932 - October 22, 2025 (Age 93)

Charles Andrew Morgan, of Lake City, Florida passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Solaris Healthcare of Lake City Nursing Home after an extended illness. Born in Branford, Florida, Charles was the son of the late Clyde Andrew Morgan and Myrtis Morgan Davis; and step-son of the late Luther (Jack) Davis. He is a 1950 graduate of Columbia High School; and later attended Lake City Community College where he earned two Associate Degrees in Business Administration and Marketing Management.

Charles enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950, and served for 20 years until retiring from active service in 1970 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He is a veteran of the Korean War, serving on the ground in Korea; and subsequently in Japan and numerous other postings across the Continental United States. Charles also served with the fleet at sea aboard warships during Cold War and Vietnam War-era operational deployments. He held a strong affinity for his first ship – the venerable aircraft carrier USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CV-39) – and for his shipmates; along with pride in their collective naval adventures, military actions, and related accomplishments.

Charles married the late Margaret Perry Morgan in 1957 and the couple raised two children. The family settled back in Charles' hometown of Lake City, Florida upon his retirement from active duty in the Navy. Thereupon, Mr. Morgan pursed a professional career with area hospitals and healthcare provider organizations over the next 22 years. He was employed by Lake Shore Hospital and Lake City Medical Center respectively, where he headed hospital support services, hospital materials management functions, and various other operational activities until his permanent retirement in 1992.

Throughout his adult life and prime years, Charles was very involved with his children's schooling and extracurricular activities; most notably Boy Scouts of America Troop 522, CHS Band Boosters, and CHS Army Junior ROTC Torch Club. He formerly was a member and Chaplain of American Legion Post 57; and a volunteer with various civic organizations and community endeavors.

Charles was a Baptized Christian, a faithful follower of our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ, and believer in the most Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He was profoundly and consistently engaged with various ministries and lay-leadership roles at the local Churches he attended for over fifty years. Mr. Morgan was previously a long-term contributing member of The Gideons International and a volunteer at the Christian Service Center of Columbia County.

Universally known for his kind, pleasant demeanor, and ever-present sense of humor, Charles relished a good joke and delighted in telling witty jokes. He derived much enjoyment in hearing and recounting funny stories, comical tales, and amusing anecdotes; and in pulling playful, harmless pranks on family, friends, and colleagues. Some of his lifelong recreational activities were fishing the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers and area lakes; hunting quail; autumn visits to the Blue Ridge mountains; and listening to Southern Gospel music, the Grand Old Opry, Johnny Cash, and the big bands of 1940's. He also enjoyed watching Florda Gators football and St. Louis Cardinals baseball; along with playing epic games of Yahtzee and Uno.

Simple pleasures for Charles also included grilling steaks and burgers, steaming oysters, and roasting pecans; along with a noted fondness for southern fried seafood and homemade banana pudding. Mr. Morgan was most happy in the presence of his family, loved ones, and friends; and treasured any opportunity to socialize and interact with others. He truly loved people; and will be missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Morgan is survived by his son, Charles Alan Morgan; his daughter, Barbara Morgan Smith; two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The family will hold a memorial visitation on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Lake City, Florida. Internment is set for Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Memorial Cemetery, Lake City, Florida following a private service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in the memory of Charles Andrew Morgan to the Christian Service Center of Columbia County, Inc. - www.cscofcc.org - Telephone 386.755.1770 - 421 NW Washington Street, Lake City, FL 32055.