William “Gary” Morgan, of Madera, CA, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, at the age of 95.
Born on May 6, 1931, in Raven’s Branch, Tennessee, to William A. and Ruby Cates Morgan, Gary grew up in the shadow of the Smoky Mountains before moving to Madera after graduating from Cosby High School in 1949. He attended barber college, worked alongside his father at Morgan’s Barber Shop, and later served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After completing his military service, he returned to the family business. In 1955, Gary married his sweetheart, Shirley Russell. Together they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage.
While continuing his career as a barber, Gary purchased his first vineyard in 1962, beginning a lifelong passion for farming. Over the years, he grew grapes, custom harvested throughout the Madera area, cut and delivered firewood, and later, he and Shirley owned and operated James Department Store.
Gary enjoyed spending time with family and friends over a good card game, especially poker, bridge, and Pedro. He loved horseshoes, cornhole, fishing, and annual salmon fishing trips to Canada and Alaska. He took great pride in restoring his beloved 1941 Ford pickup, a project that reflected his appreciation for classic automobiles and working with his hands. He also served twice as president of the Madera 20-30 Club and as a member of the Madera County Civil Service Commission.
More than anything, Gary loved his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than having everyone gathered together, especially during the holidays. He was immensely proud of their accomplishments and the lives they built.
Gary is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shirley; his children, Greg and Donna Morgan, Keith and Susan Morgan, and Alice and Gail Tesei; his grandchildren, Garrett and Erin Morgan, with their children Amelia, Elizabeth, and Vince; Kaitlin and Miles Holm, with their children Victoria and Thomas; Andrew and Krystal Morgan, with their children Jameson and Alice; Brian Morgan and Callie Ryan; Kevin Tesei; and Aaron Tesei; his cherished caregiver, Lila Rivera; and many extended family members and dear friends.
A Memorial Service will be on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Jay Chapel. Private Interment will be at Arbor Vitae Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alegria Guild of Valley Children’s Healthcare, 9300 Valley Children’s Place, Madera, CA 93636 or your favorite charity.