Larry D. Morgan

1964 - 2025

Larry Douglas "Doug" Morgan, Jr.

August 19, 1964 - January 23, 2025

After a courageous 16-month battle with cancer, Larry Douglas "Doug" Morgan, Jr. (60), of Advance, North Carolina, died at home on January 23, 2025. He was born in Dalton, Georgia, on August 19, 1964 to Sue Gailey Morgan and Larry Morgan. Doug moved to Resaca in 1970, where he was known for playing on and coaching ball teams and for riding his Honda motorcycle, sometimes popping a wheelie. He was also known for being friendly and easy-going and always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his blue eyes. Doug learned to water ski at Carters Lake and was a natural in and on the water throughout his life. He completed all his education but Kindergarten in Gordon County, where he attended Resaca Elementary and Ashworth Middle before graduating from Calhoun High School in 1982.

Doug found the career he loved after taking flight lessons and getting his pilot's license. He took aviation courses at Chattanooga State. Doug left Resaca for North Carolina in 1986, worked his way up from regional to national carriers and was most recently a captain with JetBlue airlines.

Doug married Tina Lansel, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 16, 1995. They welcomed a daughter, Taylor Rae, in July 1998 and a son, Luke Douglas, in May 2001. Doug loved spending time with his family and created a life filled with beautiful memories because of trips and experiences they shared. His favorite places were anywhere his family was, especially if they were at the lake, where his water skiing and boat driving skills were legendary, or in Aruba.

Doug passed on his lifelong love of flying to his son, Luke, who now serves in the U.S. Air Force. Though he had opportunities to relocate for airline work, Doug was determined to keep his family in a stable and loving home, putting their needs first in everything he did.

Doug was saved as a child at Resaca Baptist Church, but baptized later as an adult, along with his wife, in 1998. He was ordained and served as a deacon at Friends Baptist Church in Clemmons, North Carolina. Doug and his family were active members of Two Cities Church in Winston-Salem, where Doug's celebration of life was held on January 27, 2025.

Doug earned his real wings and entered into eternity fully healed, whole and at peace. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Catherine Callahan Morgan and Wilton and Eunice Kelley Gailey; father, Larry Morgan; aunt, Pat Morgan Craig and several first cousins. He is survived by a heartbroken family who will forever cherish his memory, including his wife, Tina; daughter and son-in-law, Taylor and Matthew Barrett; son, Luke; mother, Sue Gailey Morgan; brother, Rodney Morgan; aunt, Ann Gailey Dooley; uncles Steve Morgan (Pam) and Jerry Gailey (Jan); in-laws, Jim and Margo Lansel; several first cousins, extended family and countless friends.

Doug's Northwest Georgia family and friends are invited to a drop-in reception in the Resaca First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 2-4 p.m.