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The Rev. Garland Pollard "Gary" Morgan II, 64, who served as pastor of Thurmont UMC until December 2013, died Feb. 27, 2014. The Rev. Chris Suerdieck officiated at a funeral service March 8 at Thurmont UMC. Bishop Marcus Mathews gave the Words of Blessing. Also participating were the Revs. Steve White and Lew Schrumm. District Superintendent Edgardo Rivera led the Committal Service at the Blue Ridge Cemetery.

Morgan was born Aug. 31, 1949, in Danville, Va., the son of Dorothy Jones Morgan of Orlando, Fla. and the late Garland P. Morgan I.

Morgan served as pastor of Thurmont UMC for the past seven years until Dec. 2013, when his illness precluded him serving longer. He previously served Hyattstown UMC for six years.

Ministry was a second career for Morgan. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army then spent 27 years with the Prince George’s County Police Department where he served as captain in Special Operations and as S.W.A.T. Team leader. He was co-founder of the Prince George’s County Police Bagpipe Band, and played both guitar and bagpipes. During his younger years he was a volunteer fire fighter. He was ordained an Elder in 2006. During his theological studies he learned both Hebrew and Greek.

He enjoyed singing, reading, collecting books, preaching, and spending time with his family. He served as Spiritual Director for a Walk to Emmaus weekend, as he recovered from cancer treatment, said Frank Pennington, who had “walked” with him. “He was a quiet and spiritual individual and I am shocked to learn that he passed at such a young age,” Pat Grogan, retired manager of the PG Police Pipe Band, commented.

He and Gladys Mae Porter Morgan, had been married almost 40 years.

He was predeceased by granddaughters, Kaylee Grace Bargar and Morgan Hope Garcia.

Surviving in addition to his wife are son, Pastor Douglas Mixer of Odenton; daughters, Jennifer Garcia of Annapolis, and Brianne Morgan of Hanover; and five grandchildren. His mother also survives.

Condolences may be sent to his wife Gladys Morgan, 108 Easy St., Thurmont, MD 21788-3320.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Rd, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL, 32256, or to the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation, P.O. Box 821, Manalapan, NJ, 07726.