David Coleman Morris

Dr. David Coleman Morris, D.D.S., Aged 73, of Olive Branch, MS, died October 24, 2025, at his home. He was born August 31, 1952, in Memphis, TN, to Barbara Sawyer Morris and Thad Leary Morris Jr. David graduated from Memphis University School class of 1970. At MUS, he was recognized as the original artist of the buzzard, which was the symbol for the Buzzard Club established by the class of 1970. He continued his education at Memphis State and graduated from the University of Tennessee, where he received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and enjoyed practicing with his father for 28 years.

Let us tell the adventure of loving and living with David. David was very unique. He was gifted and had many creative talents. He was full of life.

As a youth, David loved participating in Boy Scouts, where he became an Eagle Scout and earned his God and Country medal. His father was his Scoutmaster, which meant a great deal to David through his scouting experience.

David was happiest camping with his mother, father, and sisters as they travelled throughout the United States. He continued this tradition with his own family and his grandchildren. He was known as "Big Daddy" to his grandchildren, and they loved camping with him and their "Babby", their grandmother.

Starting in 1995, David began traveling to Ukraine on short term mission trips to treat the dental needs of the community of Rovno, which included several orphanages. He continued his faithful mission work for 20 years going with a variety of medical doctors and dentists, including his daughter, Elizabeth.

David was an avid craftsman and hobbyist. He was a talented woodworker who made several pieces of furniture for his own home and family. Since childhood David was interested in trains and models. In his later years, he began making models of WWII era airplanes and also spent much of his time in creating his train layout, which won him several awards at national modeling competitions.

After retiring from dentistry, he audited the engineering courses at the University of Memphis. Upon completion of the engineering coursework, he volunteered in the 3-D lab with the undergraduate students. He enjoyed teaching and giving of his time to these students who lovingly called him "Doc".

David loved the Lord Jesus Christ and enjoyed worshipping at Second Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Beth, were a member for 44 years. He particularly enjoyed the teachings in Sojourners Sunday school class.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth Robertson Morris of Olive Branch, MS; and their two children: Anne Morris Fairey (Chris) of Memphis, TN, Elizabeth Morris Bass (Jesse) of Olive Branch, MS. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Alice Fairey, Emma Fairey, and George Fairey of Memphis, TN; Elizabeth "Betsy" Bass, Eleanor Bass, and Clara Bass of Olive Branch, MS. In addition, he is survived by his two sisters, Nancy Morris Ruff (David) and Jane Morris Giovannetti (Lee) both of Memphis, TN.

Visitation will be at 2:00 pm, Thursday, October 30, in the Sanctuary Lobby of Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis. Service will follow at 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Second Presbyterian World Missions or the charity of your choice.