William Ray Morgan

Dr. William Ray Morgan, 86, passed away with his family by his side on January 7th, 2026.
Bill was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. He moved to a lot of different places with his parents. He attended college at UT and Dental School in Memphis.
He served in the Navy after school, going to Great Lakes and Spain. He returned to Knoxville afterwards because of the mountains, lakes and the Tennessee Vols.
He met Laverne, a widow with two small children (Missy and Mark) and married in 1968. Two years later, they had another son, Brad.
Bill opened his dental practice in 1970 and practiced at three offices before retiring. After retiring he taught and helped at the Dental Hygiene School at Hiawassee and then Tennessee Weslyn and he loved it. Bill loved hunting and fishing and keeping up with the Vols.
The number one thing in his life was his faith. He was an elder at our church, taught many classes and shared the gospel with anyone who would listen. The most special group was from Tellico Village. The second love was his wife and children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Third he loved practicing dentistry and especially his staff of over 20 years. He loved his partners and his patients. He was in the Dental Association and received many awards.
He wrote two books, more personal and informative about his experiences and his faith. He went on many mission trips. He loved to travel and we went on many trips.
If you never met him, he would ask where you are from and I guarantee he either lived there or near there when he was growing up. His main goal in later life was to make sure you were going to heaven where he is now. He had many true friends. Thanks to Ed for being with him and us for his final moments.
Special thanks to all of NHC of Farragut for his care.
He is preceded in death by parents John and Ilene Morgan.
He is survived by his children: Missy (Bob), Mark (Cindy), and Brad (Mary Susan). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Nicholas (Christen), Natalee (Issac), Meredith (Matthew), Madeline (Sam), Brooke, Blake (Gabriella), Lexie, Nikki, Claire, Jackson, Mary Auburn, and great-grandchildren Teagan, Tatum, Ty, Isaiah, Gabriel, Banks, and Charlotte. Also, sisters in law, brothers in law, cousin and nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Christ Covenant Church PCA (12915 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934) on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM with a Celebration of Life to follow. Rev. Seth Hammond will officiate. A private graveside service will be held at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Young-Williams Animal Center. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.