Arthur Daniel "Dan" Morgan

Arthur Daniel "Dan" Morgan, 79, of Lilburn, Georgia, died Wednesday, February 14, following several years of illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Davis Morgan and Mary Jane Jarrett Morgan. Dan was born August 8, 1938, in Waynesville, NC, attended Candler Schools and was a member of the first graduating class of Enka High. Dan’s passion was ball - playing, coaching and as a profession. He was a standout high school athlete in baseball, football, and basketball, earning numerous recognition's in all three, including pitching a no-hitter for his baseball team as a sophomore. He attended the University of South Carolina on a baseball and basketball scholarship and was named MVP of his freshman and junior baseball teams and to the ACC All-Star team as a junior. He played pro ball for the NY Yankees organization two seasons in the rookie league and Class A. In his middle years he was player/coach of a traveling fast-pitch softball team. Beginning at age 60, he played on a slow-pitch softball team that traveled to tournaments all over the country and was named to the All World team three years in the 65 age group. He also officiated high school basketball for many years in SC and GA. Dan’s life work helped children in need. He was the supervisor of recreation/activities at the Epworth Children’s Home, Columbia, SC for 14 years, followed by 30 years of also teaching children how to have fun at the United Methodist Children’s Home in Decatur, GA. In 2004 Dan carried the Olympic Torch for the Atlanta relay, handing the torch off to Evander Holyfield. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Katha Reagan Morgan; two sons Dan (Amy) and Bobby (Penny) and one daughter, Susan. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Hannah Pye (Brandon); Grace, Jarrett, Max, Sam and Hope Morgan; and one great-grandchild Lillie Pye. Dan was a member of Decatur First UMC. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the church, 300 E Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA, 30030 or your favorite charity. A visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 16, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. A graveside service will be Feb. 17, 11:00 a.m. at the Piney Mountain United Methodist Church cemetery.