William Morris Ogletree

The Life of

William Morris Ogletree

William Morris Ogletree was born September 22, 1930, in Monroe County, Georgia. He was the second of three sons born to Alma Battle Ogletree. He grew up in a rural community on his grandfather’s farm in Forsyth, Georgia. At the early age of 10, William started working on the farm.

His aunt Mattie Battle had the only general store in the area where he worked endless hours as a teen along with his brothers Curtis and Sonny Ogletree.

William was educated through the Georgia school system. He attended Hubbard Training School, the first black high school in Forsyth. He knew at an early age that education was key. So, what did William do? He applied himself and ranked second highest in his graduating class. He was the awarded the title of Salutatorian.

William attended Kynette United Methodist Church regularly and he displayed an unwavering commitment to serving God and the church. A congregation member, William Hubbard, founder of Hubbard Training School was very impressed with

William's performance in high school. One day Mr. Hubbard was compelled to send a personal letter to the Dean of Clark College on William's behalf. William's prayers were answered when he was accepted to Clark College and unbeknownst to William at the time, his church congregation would award him with the Kynette Educational Scholarship. This funding would follow William throughout his four years.

William once again applied himself, seeking knowledge from every class. William pledged Kappa Psi and graduated summa cum laude. He would be the first in his family to graduate from college.

In 1951, the draft was still happening so college men had to sign the Selective Service List. A few months after graduation William enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War.

After faithfully serving the military William found himself teaching English and working evenings and nights at The Varsity, in Atlanta. William enjoyed staying busy, so on the weekends, he continued drive to Forsyth to help his aunt and brothers in the general store.

William was determined to save enough money to go north to find work. Little did he know then that he would ultimately meet the love of his life.

William met Jamar Houston in Atlanta, Georgia and became really good friends with her brother Clinton Houston. William and Clinton became best friends for a lifetime. Jamar took a leap of faith and moved to the Washington, DC. Several months later her brother and William followed. The trio settled in the DC for a while and then moved to Maryland.

William Ogletree and Jamar Ogletree married in the winter of 1959 on Christmas Eve. A marriage that would span over sixty years.

William always walked in faith as he too found a church home at Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church along with Jamar. He attended services regularly with for over twenty years. He was a devoted friend too many members in the congregation.

William worked in banquet services at the Hilton Hotel, Mayflower Hotel for a few years finally took a contract position at the Four Seasons Hotel for the next forty years.

His summer vacation was always spent with family and friends in Atlanta and Forsyth. He never let a year go by without visiting Jamar’s mother, sisters and brothers and then taking the drive to the country to see his aunts, uncles and cousins.

William was a caring man that took care of his mother who resided in New Jersey until her passing. He admired his mother’s independent spirit and determination to live life to the fullest.

In the 80's, it was time for a lifestyle change for William. As he worked with Jamar at the Duerta Gift Shop on K Street NW Washington, DC, he delved into endless studies and seminars surrounding health and wellness.

At heart William was always an entrepreneur and he eventually, became a distributor for Shaklee Nutritional Supplements. A healthier more nutritional lifestyle would become his way of life. With his spiritual beliefs aiding him in enhancing his mind, body and soul, he committed himself to a healthier well-being.

William took every opportunity wherever he was at the time to share wellness tips with friends and family. As time pass William actually became an aficionado on vitamins, eating habits, wellness that was unimaginable.

William was an advent golfer and a diehard Redskins fan.

William was preceded in death by her father and mother Larkin and Alma Ogletree (Glassboro, NJ), her brother Robert Ogletree (Forsyth, Georgia), brother, Curtis Ogletree (Glassboro, NJ).

William Morris Ogletree transitioned peacefully on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the age of 91. He is survived by his two children Derek Ogletree (Capitol Heights, MD), Kimberly Ogletree (Los Angeles, CA), two grand-children Secunda Ogletree (Arlington, VA), Darian Ogletree (Capitol Heights, MD), one great grand-daughter I’sha Ogletree (Arlington, VA), Sister in Law Nita Ogletree (Forsyth, GA) and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be live-streamed : Tuesday, December 7th @ 10:45am

To view the LIVE STREAM: At the time of service a box will appear under the obituary. Press the play icon to join. *Please note if the live broadcast does not begin at posted time, you are in the right place, there may be a brief delay*

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Morris Ogletree, please visit our floral store.