Jack Morris

Jack Morris BRISTOL, Tenn. Jack Morris, 89, passed away on Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, at his home. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bristol. Reared in Unicoi County, Warren Jack Morris, a member of "The Greatest Generation", joined the U.S. Navy in 1942, drove landing craft at Normandy, and fought on the USS Tuscaloosa off Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Just before he volunteered for the Navy, he married Sarah Elizabeth Blevins. They had three children, Betty Morris Orfield, now of Kentucky, Larry Morris and wife Barbara of Indiana, and Kathy Morris Fletcher and husband David of Damascus, Via. He spent his civilian working life as a lumber grader and buyer for Cortrim Lumber Company of Bristol. After Sarah's death in 1977, Jack married Lydia Hughes Morris in 1985. They were married 25 years. In retirement Jack loved golf. He and Lydia produced a delightful flower garden at their home. They attended First United Methodist Church regularly and were very attentive grandparents until age and injuries required Jack to stay at the home he loved. During his several years with homebound status, Jack was frequently visited by church friends with kind words and many meals - Christianity at its best. As times grew more difficult, loving and home saving care by Gary, Cindy, and Leslie Wilson, Peggy Wilson Eads, and Pam Craig has been a God-send. Next door neighbors, Van and Fay VanNostrand came to the rescue on many occasions. Loving and heroic nursing care by daughter Kathy Fletcher has kept Jack here for many months. He is survived by his wife Lydia, his children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lydia's daughter Phyllis Marcy and husband Sam are included as family. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 O'clock Monday afternoon, Jan. 3, 2011, at First United Methodist Church of Bristol Tennessee. The funeral service will follow at 2 O'clock at the church with Rev. Joe-d DowlingSoka officiating. Private burial will follow. Pallbearers will be Larry Wagner, Russell Basham, Bill Olson, Jack Ford, Richard McCallum, Gary Wilson, Van VanNostrand and Roy Watson. Military graveside rites will be presented by the Bristol V.F.W. Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 322 Vance Drive, Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.Oakley-Cook.com Arrangements especially for Mr. Morris and his family were made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home.