Davis Carter Morgan

Family-Placed Death Notice

DAVIS CARTER MORGAN Davis Carter Morgan, 49 passed away at his home on July 17, 2004, surrounded by loving family and friends. Born April 22, 1955 in Porterdale, GA, he was an eighth generation resident of Newton County and lived his entire life on the same property bordering the Alcovy River where he grew up. Davis was widely respected for his eight-year tenure as Chairman of the Newton County Board of Commissioners from 1992 to 2000. Before that time, he had owned and operated the paving company, MOPAC Inc., for many years. During his terms as Chairman, he spearheaded the building of the Turner Lake Recreational Complex, the Newton County Library, the Law Enforcement Center and the Judicial Annex. Both the Turner Lake Recreational Complex and the Judicial Annex have received national awards. His leadership in the construction of the Newton County Health and Mental Department was recognized when the building was named for him after leaving office. One of his proudest accomplishments was securing the future of Newton County's water supply by procuring the land for the Bear Creek Reservoir. He conceptualized the Four County Technology Park now being developed in Newton, Morgan, Walton and Jasper Counties. Davis was awarded two National Achievement Awards by the National Association of County Commissioners for his innovative ideas. He served twice on the State of Georgia's Historic Preservation Commission and also as the Chairman of the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy Committee of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia. He also served as Chairman of the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Center and was alumnus of Leadership Georgia and the ACCG Leadership Academy. Many will remember his devotion to Newton County and its citizens as well as his community involvement in organizations such as the Arts Association, Friends of Gaithers, the Historical Society and Smartgrowth. Newton County's veterans were honored annually with his placement of crosses on Highway 278 on Memorial Day. He also valued his relationship with all of the employees of Newton County during his adminstration. Davis was a member of Newborn United Methodist Church and attended First United Methodist Church of Covington. Davis is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathryn Griffin Morgan, daughters and sons-in-law Abigail and Derek Coggin and Melissa and Brad Parker, all of Covington; daughter, Savannah Morgan and fiance' Mike Hembree of Athens, grandchildren Davis Shaw Coggin and Natalie Morgan Parker. He is also survived by his parents, Jack and Barbara Morgan of Covington, siblings and spouses, Barbara Morgan and Bob Furnad of Social Circle; Jack, Jr. and Melody Morgan of Covington; Emily and Lanier Adams of Augusta, John and Robbi Morgan of Covington; Bill and Amy Morgan of Monticello; Edna Kirkley-Rollins and Larry Rollins of Covington; Dan Morgan of Atlanta; 14 nieces and nephews and several aunts and cousins. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Davis' memory to the Arts Association in Newton County, Friends of Gaithers and the Historical Society of Newton County. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 19th at 11:00 AM from the First United Methodist Church in Covington with Rev. Derek Porter, Rev. Royeese Stowe, Rev. Billy Wade and Rev. Harold Cobb officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Funeral Home. J.C. Harwell & Son, Covington.