Russell H. Morgan

Russell Hodges Morgan of Springfield (Shawnee community) passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Russell was born on November 22, 1943 to the late Nora Lee Hodges Morgan and Willie Wyburg Morgan.

Russell was a lifelong resident of Effingham born and raised in the Shawnee community outside of Springfield. He graduated from Effingham County High School in 1961 and worked 30+ years at Union Camp and eventually retiring from Union Camp Bag Plant as a Superintendent of the Bag Plant when it closed in the early 1990s. He then began another career working over another decade at B&S Feed and Seed spreading fertilizer to land across 4 counties. Russell briefly had a lawn service business and would often cut grass for those in need for no charge. Russell served in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War era being called to active duty to keep peace during War protests/riots in Augusta, GA. Russell left his time in the guards (8 years) with the rank of Sargeant.

Russell always had an avid competitive streak in him. This streak helped him to win numerous awards during his time in the Guard, during his early adult years where he was an active adult baseball and softball player, and any other activity he was involved in. The only sport/activity he did not participate in was golf. He quickly realized after 4 or 5 times playing that this was not a sport where he could be the best and never attempted to play again. He was an award-winning fox, deer, and coon hunter. In his later years he returned to his love horseback riding that started when he was in his teenage years. This led to decades of award-winning barrel racing competitions with his beloved horse Pepsi. His dedication, determination, and passion for excellence in his personality also helped him rise through the ranks during his time at Union Camp allowing him to become the Superintendent of the entire Bag Plant supervising countless workers and reporting directly to the Vice President of the Savannah Plant who was in charge of the Bag Plant.

In his later years he was an active and devoted member of Corinth Baptist Church in Shawnee for serval decades with his beloved Dottie. Russell taught Sunday School, was active in church decision making processes, and served on the cemetery committee faithfully until his health kept him from doing so.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents Nora Lee Hodges Morgan Pitts and Willie Wyburg Morgan, his older brother Willie George Morgan and his wife Mary Ann, younger brother Clarence Morgan, his stepfather Robert Ernest Pitts, a special nephew Victor Logan Ivey, and of course his beloved Dottie.

He is survived by his son Wyatt Morgan of Sylvania, Wyatt’s mother Mary Joyce Morgan of Sylvania, nephews (Willie George’s sons) Neil (Renee) Morgan and their girls, and Gary (Betsy) Morgan and family all of Rincon, niece (Clarence’s daughter) April (Walt) Lawson and their children of Springfield, daughter by love Angelica (William) Pittman and her children/family whom he thought of as grandchildren Sadie, Macie, and Walker Pittman and her nieces Aria and Amara Lugo. Dottie’s niece who looked after Russell for several years after her death Kristi (Joe) Winter, their daughters Sarah and Stephanie, Dottie’s sister-in-law Laverne Hodges, very special and close friends whom he considered family Jonathon Simmons, Ashley Kellar and their children Briston and Victoria Simmons, and life long friend Charles L. Stone, Jr. (Jug) all of Springfield (Shawnee). He is also survived by other extended family and friends.

Family would appreciate flowers/plants in honor of Russell’s life but remembrances can also be made in memory of Russell to the Corinth Church Cemetery Fund.

Services will be held at Corinth Baptist Church in Springfield (Shawnee community) on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 3 o’clock. Family will receive visitors before the service from 2 pm to 3 pm. Burial will follow in church cemetery.

Corinth Baptist Church

296 Corinth Church Road

Springfield, Ga. 31329

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.