With hearts full of love and remembrance, we honor the life of Billy Gene “Butch” Morgan, Jr., who passed away on December 28, 2025, in Waldron, Arkansas. He was 67 years old.
Butch was born on September 16, 1958, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Billy Gene Morgan, Sr. and Shirley June (Burnett) Morgan. From the beginning, his life was rooted in faith, family, and a deep connection to the land he loved.
On March 17, 1989, Butch married the love of his life, Leanne (Ridenhour) Morgan. Together they built a home grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another and their family. Butch was a proud husband, father, and grandfather, and nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with those he loved. He could often be found cooking pancakes for family and friends, a simple joy that became a treasured tradition.
A lifelong cattle rancher, Butch’s passion could be summed up simply: cattle, cattle, cattle. The work was more than an occupation-it was a way of life he embraced wholeheartedly.
Butch loved the Lord deeply and was a faithful member of Mt. Moriah Community Church in Haletown, where he served with humility and dedication. He preached many funerals for family and friends, offering comfort, hope, and faith to others even in their hardest moments. His life reflected his belief, not only in words, but through service and compassion.
Known for his quick wit and some pretty strong teasing, Butch loved to joke with his friends. If he gave you a hard time, you could be sure it meant you were truly special to him. His laughter, warmth, and genuine spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
Butch is survived by his loving wife, Leanne Morgan of the home; his son, Jacob Morgan and wife Kelsey of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his daughters, Hannah Doty and husband Jon of Green Forest, Arkansas, Mandy Falcon and husband Javier of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Sarah DeWit and husband Geral of Austin, Texas; and his cherished grandchildren who lovingly called him Grandpa Butch or Papa, Anthony, Adrian, Ava, and Alec Falcon; Luke Doty; Aubree and Gabriella Collins.
He is also survived by his sisters, Denise Pittard and husband John of Albertville, Alabama, and Tonya Morgan of Waldron, Arkansas; and his brothers, Johnny Morgan of Calico Rock, Arkansas, and Josh Morgan of Eatonville, Washington and a host of extended family, friends and loved ones dear to his heart.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents Billy and Shirley, nephews Trey Barker and Dawson Morgan and one niece Ginger Morgan.
A Celebration of Life for Butch will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Mt. Moriah Community Church in Haletown, Arkansas, with Rev. Zac Hale and Rev. Joe Powers officiating. Interment will follow at Union Hill Cemetery in Union Hill, Arkansas.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2025, at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Travis Shelton, Levi Godwin, Brooks Godwin, Michael Williams, Terry Owens, and Bob Ammons. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Morgan and Josh Morgan.
Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that Butch’s life was one of purpose, faith, and love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the faith he shared, and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered
