Thomas R. MORRIS

GREENWOOD, S.C. - Thomas R. Morris, a devoted and loving husband to Ann Watts Morris, an educator, respected and revered coach, community contributor, scholar and friend departed this life on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, after a courageous battle with his illness.
Tom, as he was affectionately called, was born in Newport News, Va., to the late Mary Cousins and Thomas R. Morris. He received his early education in the Public Schools of Newport News earning his diploma from Huntington High School where he excelled in basketball and football. After completing high school, Tom was employed at the Newport News Shipyard, however it was there that brought Tom to the realization that furthering his education would be the key to a better and more productive life. Subsequently, he was offered and accepted an athletic scholarship from Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia where he played basketball and football and from which he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education. The Master's Degree in Education was awarded by the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va.
Immediately after fulfilling all requirements for his Bachelor's Degree, Tom was employed by his alma mater as Head Basketball and Assistant Football Coach. Following his tenure at Saint Paul's, Tom continued to work as Head Football Coach/Health Education Professor/Activity Director for the National Youth Sports Program or Assistant Football Coach at Morgan State University (Assistant and Head Football), Baltimore, Md.; Virginia State University (Head Football, Petersburg, Va.; Fayetteville State University (Head Football), Fayetteville, N.C.; Virginia Union University (Assistant Head Football), Richmond, Va.; Norfolk State University (Assistant Head Football), Norfolk, Va. While at Virginia Union and Norfolk State, Tom also served as Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coach and was pleased that his teams were nationally recognized as the Number 1 defensive teams for Division II NCAA schools.
In December 2001, Tom retired from Norfolk State and moved to Greenwood. Still a bit itchy for the athletic arena, in February 2002 Tom was asked to accept employment (part-time which became full-time) as Associate Athletic Director and Administrator/Activity Director of NYSP at Livingstone College, Salisbury, N.C. After three years there, Tom decided that it was now time to relax and enjoy his home and retirement.
Retiring to Greenwood, Tom moved his membership to Morris Chapel Baptist Church where he became active with the Morris Chapel Brotherhood and the Church's Fundraising Committee. Additionally, he served as assistant secretary and secretary for the Little River Baptist Association Brotherhood. Also, enjoyment for Tom was garnered by working the Voter Registration polls as he loved working and talking with people.
In addition to his loving and compassionate wife, Tom is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Lecia M. Henderson, Richmond, Va.; two sons, Gary M. (Michelle) Morris, Fairfax, Va.; Ron (Chanel) Morris, Baltimore, Md.; two sisters, Mrs. Christine Jones and Mrs. Alease C. Taylor, Newport News, Va.; twin brothers, Wilbur (Daphne) Cousins, Newport News, Va., and William (Clijetter) Cousins, Fayetteville, N.C.; five grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010, at Morris Chapel Baptist Church, 530 Baptist Avenue, Greenwood, S.C. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens, Greenwood, S.C.
In lieu of flowers, the family humbly asks that contributions be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to the Building Fund of Morris Chapel Church, 530 Baptist Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Condolences and well wishes may be sent to the family by visiting www. percivaltompkinsfuneralhome.com.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is assisting the Morris Family. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.