Dr. Robert G. Morris III, COL (R)

Dr. Robert Gammon Morris III, Colonel

(U.S. Army Retired)

1947-2022

“As for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

San Antonio, TX — Dr. Robert G. Morris III, COL (R) was received into the arms of our Heavenly Father on September 14, 2022, at the age of 74.

Lovingly known as "The Colonel" and "Dr. Bob" to many, Robert was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 19, 1947. A lifelong classic car enthusiast, photographer, scale modeler, and insatiable student of history, he was the oldest of Dr. Robert Gammon Morris Jr., MD, and Phyllis Davis Morris' three sons. COL Morris was a fourth-generation soldier and veteran of the Gulf War era, Peacetime, and Vietnam era. He served in the United States Army from June 1, 1970, to August 31, 1996, and retired at the rank of Colonel after over 26 years of decorated service. He continued to lead by example and mentor hundreds in his academic career, beginning with his doctoral studies and later as a Dean and professor. He elevated all he came to know with his extensive knowledge, humorous stories, and patient wisdom.

Early Life: “B.G.”

Even as a young student, Robert’s industrious and creative spirit was evident to his peers and family. His love of military history and philosophy was born from his beloved Grandmother Grace's readings of Marcus Aurelius before bed and nourished by his mother's frequent library trips and her authorship of several children's readers. He often studied scripture with his grandfather who was an accomplished WWI Chaplain.

After moving from Philadelphia, he graduated from the Harvard-St. George School in Chicago, Illinois, in 1966 as a member of the Honors Society in History.

Military Career: “The Colonel”

COL Morris attended Pennsylvania Military College, and upon graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, he began his military career.

His postgraduate education included a master's degree from Central Michigan University, where he was a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Additionally, COL Morris completed several U.S. Army professional military education (PME) programs, including the Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, along with programs at both the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) and War College, where he was awarded "Best Personal Experience Monograph."

Upon proudly completing US Army Ranger School and airborne training he was stationed throughout Germany in the 1970s and 1980s. COL Morris was instrumental in peacekeeping missions and patrols that helped prepare for German Reunification and the foundation of the European Union, including being stationed at the iconic Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. COL Morris was an accomplished scholar of WWI, WWII, and the Korean War, as well as a German speaker; he frequently drew upon these skills to give detailed presentations for the Army. He often reflected on his chance meeting with a Rabbi and returning Holocaust Survivor while visiting Auschwitz as one of the most meaningful moments in his life and a source of inspiration to create opportunity in the face of desolation.

Then, during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990-1991), he served with distinction as the Battalion Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery, 212th Field Artillery Brigade (24th Infantry Division Mechanized). He was awarded the Bronze Star medal "For heroism in ground combat" and his actions supporting coalition forces during Kuwait's liberation.

Post-Gulf War, COL Morris returned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, exercising leadership at the U.S. Army Field Artillery School. Then, he was assigned as Senior Army adviser for the New Jersey National Guard in 1992, overseeing roughly 800 soldiers. When he became the Garrison Commander of Ft. Meade, Odenton, Maryland, COL Morris inscribed a new chapter in his long family history at this post, following his grandfather’s stationing there in 1919 and his father’s in the months leading up to World War II.

Returning to Europe, COL Morris concluded his military career in 1996 after leading the NATO Situation Center (SITCEN) in Brussels, Belgium. He took immense pride in leading this counterintelligence agency during the Bosnian crisis specifically, as well as in its role of informing the North Atlantic Council, United Nations (U.N.), and Military Committee in times of peace, tension, and high-level exercises.

COL Morris’ myriad military honors and awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation medal (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait), Air Assault Badge and Ranger Tab.

Ad astra per aspera (To the stars through adversity)

After retiring from the military, COL Morris’ many talents and work ethic helped him find new ways to serve. As a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division Association, in 2006, he was awarded the Presidential Award for his efforts supporting the 101st "Wounded in action (WIA) and their families while recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC)."

Additionally, from 2007-2014, he was repeatedly recognized for not only supporting but also expanding the Wounded Warrior Project and its work on behalf of our service women and men wounded in action. Later in his academic career, COL Morris, as Dr. Morris, would inspire many of the same soldiers to advance through higher education.

In early 2006, Robert also completed courses at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute along with hurricane sheltering exercises through the Texas Department of Public Safety and Governor’s Division of Emergency Management. He worked tirelessly to build readiness and support child and family services in the aftermath of the absolute physical and social destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Academic Career: “Dr. Bob”

From 2008-2009, COL Morris became Dr. Morris when the School of Business and Technology Management at Northcentral University awarded him “Dissertation of the Year."

From 2009 until his passing, Dr. Morris taught numerous online and in-person graduate-level courses in subjects ranging from Business, Leadership, and Diversity at Wayland Baptist University as well as the Rio Salado and Charter Oaks Colleges.

His leadership also helped support and expand educational programs for incarcerated students. His desk was often covered with carefully handwritten term papers from incarcerated students who faced unimaginable challenges to attain higher education. Dr. Morris showed patience, walking with them step by step toward a more constructive and inclusive future.

Building on his work and experience gained with the Wounded Warrior Project, Dr. Morris advocated for and led the “College for Cops” program as well as other academic programs geared toward first responders through Wayland Baptist University. These programs, along with his leadership in Emergency Management, only further demonstrate Dr. Morris’ intrinsic role as the unifying thread in building positive, enduring relationships throughout the fabric of our community.

For the academic year 2020-2021, Dr. Morris was recognized by Wayland Baptist University for "outstanding academic achievement as the nominee for the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation award." His students consistently reflected that "Dr. Morris taught me how to write" and lauded him with positive feedback such as "I would take any class that he teaches.” 

“What we do now echoes in eternity.” ― Marcus Aurelius

As General George Patton, one of COL Morris' idols, remarked, "Do everything you ask of those you command." Whether as a Colonel, Doctor, or Civil Servant, Morris was beloved by all those who served with him because of his uncompromising approach to ensuring the best interest of those under his care― from caring for his soldiers and their families in his unwavering service-over-self to mentoring his students and lifting those in crisis.

His soldiers were at the core of his heart and mind as a military leader just as his students and colleagues were as an academic mentor. No matter the circumstance, his way of leading by example always made “his people” feel empowered and appreciated.                  

"B.G.", "Bobby", "Daddy", "Grandfather". Soldier, Husband, Mentor, Student. In his many names, titles, and accomplishments, he will be forever remembered for his profoundly clear and steady advice and his fair but firm approach to life's most arduous challenges. He is immortalized in our happy memories of jumping into tall waves at the beach just as he continues to live through his unwavering love for, and pride in, the accomplishments of his greatest life's work: his children.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Garner Morris; daughter, Elaina M. Morris of Bellevue, WA, and her children Jaxon and Makena Herber; son, Victor R. Morris of London, England; son Patrick H. Morris of Austin, TX; daughter Krista G. Morris and her husband Francesco Vigiani of Florence, Italy; brother, Clark Morris of Chicago, IL; sister-in-law, Wilhelma Garner Brown of Baltimore, MD; cousins: Carolyn Lloyd Collier of PA and Marcia Lloyd Shannon of Boston, MA as well as many beloved relatives and friends.

In remembrance of a life well lived. Leave nothing behind but love.

Memorial Mass

A memorial mass will be held on October 20, 2022, at 9:30 am in the Main Post/Gift Chapel on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston and streamed live via Zoom at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3812599682.

In late 2023, COL (R) Morris will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Please note that the memorial mass will be held on a joint military base. As such, non-Department of Defense (DOD) identification card attendees must be listed on a roster and show a valid Driver's License to be admitted on base.

To reserve your name on the roster and ensure timely entry on base, please email the below point of contact with the email subject header “RGM Memorial Mass” and requested information no later than October 10, 2022, if you plan to attend the mass. The required roster information follows Name (last, first, and middle initial), Date of Birth, Country of Birth as well as Driver’s License number and state of issue.

Additional questions and comments are welcomed at the below address.

Primary point of contact information:

Victor R. Morris at [email protected]

Family phone number: 210-885-7647

The family deeply appreciates and is thankful for all the expressions of love and support from family, friends, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, we invite you to donate to the following:  Army Fisher House, Joint Base San Antonio at Brooke Army Medical Center https://connect.fisherhouse.org/index.cfm