Morgan Lewis Willeford, D.D.S.

July 26, 1926 - November 17, 2016

Dr. Morgan Lewis Willeford went to be with Jesus Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the age of 90. Graveside services will be Monday, November 21, 2016 at Lakeview Cemetery at 10:30 am with the Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Longview. Dr. Cary Hilliard will be officiating the services. Morgan was born July 26, 1926 to Lewis and Cordia Willeford in Jefferson, Texas as the only son. After growing up in Mineola, he attended Texas Christian University. At the age of 18, from 1944-1946, he joined the Navy during WWII as a PhM 3/e in Pensacola, Florida. After achieving the rank of Chief Corpsman in the operating room, he left the Navy after the war to return to TCU and later attended University of Texas. He was then accepted to Baylor College of Dentistry and graduated in 1952. He started his practice in Longview during the fall of 1952 and practiced for 60 years. After being a single dentist for several years he met the love of his life Alma Ruth Marks and they married April 17, 1955. Morgan considered the 61 years of marriage to be the best days of his life. Preceding Morgan in death were his parents, Lewis and Cordia Willeford. Those left to honor and cherish his faithful walk with Jesus here on this earth are wife, Alma Ruth Willeford; children, Gail and husband, Neal Haschke of Marshall, Texas, David Lewis and wife, Suzy of Decatur, Texas, Alan Marks and wife, Danette of Hopewell Junction, New York and Jeri and husband, David Sprouse of Kerrville, Texas. The grandchildren he was extremely proud of are Morgan and husband Michael Merriman of Irving, Texas, Taylor Sprouse and wife Brittany of Kerrville, Texas, and Whitney Haschke of Huntsville, Texas. We will always remember his contagious smile and laugh as he was there for his family and community. He was an active member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, East Texas Dental Society (President), Land O’Pines Study Club (President), Longview Jaycees (President when exhibit building at the fairgrounds was built), 60 plus year member of Longview Lions Club (President) and Longview Symphony League (President). In addition, he was a Deacon Emeritus at First Baptist Church, a loyal member of his Sunday School Department and choir member. What he enjoyed the most was traveling to many points around the world with Alma Ruth sharing their love of Jesus. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Longview Symphony League, PO Box 1825, Longview, Texas 75606, Highway 80 Rescue Mission, PO Box 3233, Longview, Texas 75606-3223, or a charity of your choice. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 pm Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Rader Funeral Home.