Dr. Garner "Butch" Morgan
June 3, 1948 ~ May 2, 2025
Dr. Garner “Butch” Morgan passed away on May 2, 2025 after a lifetime of love for his family, unwavering devotion to the Lord, and service to the community. He was 76.
In 1971, Butch married the love of his life, Mary “Pinky” Morgan, after a fateful meeting in a jewelry store where he confidently declared, “That is my wife.” Their love story spanned more than 54 years and served as a shining example of loyalty, partnership, and deep affection. Together, they raised two sons, Luke (Lindsay) and Adam (Jaime), and welcomed four grandchildren—Julia, Anna, Jackson, and Avery—who were the absolute pride and joy of his life.
Born and raised in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Butch was a proud member of the first graduating class of Chopticon High School in 1966. After High School we went to work for W.R. Blair in Lexington Park, Maryland, where he was a jeweler. He attended New York University where he received his certificates in Horology and Gemology. He worked for Mr. Blair from 1966 - 1978. He went on to attend St. Mary’s College where he played basketball, graduating in 1976, and later earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1980.
Butch built a successful dental practice that continues to serve the county, having started it in 1980. In 2009 he was proud to transition the practice to his son, Luke. He was deeply involved in the Maryland State Dental Association, where he served in leadership, including a term as President, always advocating for excellence in patient care and the dental profession. He was a strong advocate of the Mission of Mercy movement, bringing the program to Southern Maryland in 2010 where it has provided free healthcare to thousands of patients in the region. In addition to dentistry, Butch had an entrepreneurial spirit that led him into real estate, various business ventures, and, later in life, back to his original love—jewelry making.
Butch is survived by his beloved Pinky; his sons and their families; sisters Judy (Richard) and Debbie (Karl); brother Gene (Joan); sister-in-law Carolyn; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Lilian and Eugene Morgan.
Butch lived a life rich with passions. He loved golf, boating, and fishing—especially with his grandson, Jackson. He never missed a chance to cheer on his grandchildren at their sports games and concerts, always showing up with pride and encouragement. He cherished a good joke, a glass of red wine with his sons or friends, and his regular poker games. Gardening and working with his hands brought him peace and joy. He was also deeply involved in his church community Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Bushwood, Maryland, where he found spiritual connection and gave back generously.
Above all, Butch knew what mattered most: family and love. His legacy lives on in the laughter of his grandchildren, the values he instilled in his sons, and the deep love he shared with Pinky.
A life well lived. A man well loved.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 9:30am to 11:30am, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood, MD. A funeral mass will be held immediately following at 11:30am. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Southern Maryland Mission of Mercy, in honor of Butch’s lifelong commitment to helping others and strengthening his community.
Checks can be sent to: Southern Maryland Mission of Mercy c/o Dylan Schneider ~ 44008 W Leola Court, Hollywood, MD 20636. Please refer to the SMMOM website to give electronically.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.
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Pinky, Luke, Adam & Family-
Where to start…first, I want to express my sincerest condolences…and, I will be driving back from TX with my youngest son, Jake on Wed – Thursday next week…thus, I will regrettably not be attending the services.
“Uncle Butch” adopted me in 1997 when I came “back” to St. Mary’s county – only this time, as a dentist. He was ALWAYS there for me when I needed dental, financial or life advice. He made me, a 5’9″ man, always feel on par with him by always calling me, “H.T.”…nothing like a much taller, cooler guy calling you by a Super-cool nick-name! I became a Butch disciple early on!
Following neck surgery 15 years ago, Butch graciously came into my practice and checked HYG for us – refused payment, but said you continue to be one of the “good guys, and don’t worry – I’ll get you to give back!” Indeed, he “enlisted” me and many others over the ensuing years for Rotary participation (great memories of plowing the lot for the Charlotte Hall Rodeo with him), establishment of HealthShare Dental, countless road-trips for MOM events to VA and, of course, getting involved with the MOM clinics/admin. It was worth it just to attend a meeting that Butch chaired, just to see him in action! And, when he said, “it will be short and productive”…it was!
I can honestly say, he was the one of the very few people in this world we could Never say, “No” to…Butch was never afraid to ask…and it was Always for a good reason, and for a “good cause”. When we would sit around and brain-storm about MOM improvements – he would always remind us that we needed to “consider doing it no differently than within our own practice”…”people everywhere deserve the best”.
When COVID happened, he was the FIRST person I called – his trusted recommendations got our family and practice on the right track immediately. He told me, “Hang tough, H.T. – no different than Perio in dental school…Hang tough!”
It won’t be easy without you, Butch…but…we will all hang tough. Thanks for everything you did for your friends, peers, patients and community. You set the bar extremely high.
Love and Respect-
-Todd Allen
My deepest condolences to Pinky and Family. My husband, Bert, and Butch shared many good times on their motorcycle trips. Butch took good care of our family’s dental needs and it was quite an experience trying to open wide enough to let those huge hands of Butch check out our teeth. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
Sincerely, Bonnie Cheseldine
I was so saddened to learn about Dr. Morgan’s passing. He gave me the first and ONLY filling when I was 8yo. I distinctly remember being terrified. He was mighty in stature yet gentle and compassionate with me. I love to brag on the fact that his filling lasted 40 years before it had to be changed out due to wear. I have no doubt the reunion with his parents was precious. I pray you feel his presence and catch signs from him until you can be together again.
My heartfelt condolences Pinky, Luke, Adam, Huck, Judy, Debbie and family. How do I sum up almost 70 years of friendship, I will cherish the memories of our school days, the many hours on the various ballfields in St Mary’s, the many rounds of golf, sitting around the poker table telling tales, going to the masters together. Those memories I cherish, but most important all, was the lifelong
friendship we shared. RIP Butch
I was so sorry to hear about Dr. Morgan’s passing. I didn’t know Garner well on a personal level but professionally I regard him as one of the great heroes in Maryland as a leader in oral health. I was state dental director at the state health department at the time when we experienced a tragic loss of a 12-year old child to a tooth infection and knew we had to respond in a forceful manner so that this would not happen again. Dr. Morgan was MSDA President at the time and through his vision, compassion and determination, he led the MSDA to accept and incorporate important reforms that enhanced the oral health delivery system. These amazing achievements wouldn’t have happened without his leadership and the respect of his colleagues. He personifies the word “leadership” and why he will always be my personal hero. May you rest in peace, Dr. Morgan. Dr. Harry Goodman
Pinky and Family,
Gary and I are so very sad to hear of Butch’s passing. He and you together were always a shining example of love and commitment. May God bless you all, hold you in His arms, and bring you comfort and support.
With heavy hearts, Mary and Gary Blakely
Dear Pinky, Luke and Adam,
We are saddened to learn of Butch’s passing. He was such a gentleman.
We remember meeting you both almost 50 years ago at Hope Swann’s.
More recently, I played golf with Butch at Wicomico Shores. Even more recently, I enjoyed a visit with Butch here in Pinehurst.
With fond memories and condolences,
Bill and Donna May
Jack and I are very sad to learn of Dr Morgan’s passing. Knowing him and his family through our children’s mutual activities, he was always approachable and kind.
He became our family dentist when our children were very young and his practice remains so to this day. We are grateful that Luke has continued caring for us. However, Butch’s presence in our community will be greatly missed.
We pray that his family will be comforted by all the fond memories of him and the knowledge that we, like so many others, care for them.
We are very sorry to hear of Dr. Morgan’s passing. He will truly be missed.
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Morgan’s death. He was a wonderful, caring person who served his community well. I had the pleasure of volunteering with him on Mission of Mercy and remember him as a tireless leader. He will truly be missed.
Condolences to Dr. Morgan’s family and friends. Rest in piece my friend. Cathy Mattingly & family
My heart is broken for the entire Morgan family. Butch was a dear man that I had the honor of working for and become great friends with. Pinky, Luke and Adam… I am praying for you and your families as you go through this difficult time. He was one of a kind. He left such great “ripples” in this world. We all affect the people around us in some way or another… his affects were great. So much caring for our southern Maryland people and encouraged others to do the same. I will cherish his time in my life forever. If you all ever need anything.. please reach out. Sending lots of hugs. Kathy
So sorry to hear about Dr. Morgan’s passing. Unfortunately, we missed the service yet you were on our minds and in our hearts.
We will give you a hug when we see you again at mass, Pinky, or at the dentist office, Luke. We’ll miss seeing him at church.
Thankfully, he is in a better place … faithful servant! Hannah Mossman Haas and John Haas