Marion David Morris

Marion “David” Morris, age 77, beloved brother, uncle, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on October 25, 2024 of natural causes. He was born September 11, 1947 in Somerville, Tennessee. He was a lifelong resident of Fayette County. 

David was the 4th child of seven born to John E. and Virginia T. Morris of Williston, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Joseph and John E. ‘Johnny’ Morris, Jr. He attended school at the Williston Schoolhouse and graduated Class of 1965 from Fayette County High School. In later years, he would go on to attend the (then) State Technical Institute in Memphis, Tennessee where he studied drafting and architecture. 

Shortly after high school, he met and married Teresa Ward of Hickory Withe. Of this union, they are survived by two children, Maresa (Jeremy) and Phillip. To their legacy, they also enjoyed four grandchildren, Wilson, Franklin, Emma and Everett. He was the first to learn that a grandchild was impending and he immediately said, “Are you kidding me? Well, whatever IT is …tell IT my name is Granddaddy.” He eagerly embraced his role as “Granddaddy”. He taught them how to drive everything from a golf cart, to the Kubota, to his beloved Silverado. BB guns, rifles, bow and arrows, fishing poles - if the grandchildren mentioned it or an interest in it – it was probably there and available to try on their next visit. (This may have included trying chewing tobacco and learning how to mix the perfect 5 P.M. ‘drank’ with a cautionary, “don't tell Mully or your mother.”)

David was a well-known and respected contractor and builder in the area. He enjoyed the art of designing and building a quality home. When out, he would often point out a home and proudly remark, “I built that.” If you were out with him and a seemingly stranger would strike up a conversation, when they left and you would ask their name, he would quip, “Oh you know who that is, I built a porch for them one time.” 

Prior to contracting, he was a longtime employee of Grady Morris and Son in the plumbing department. He was very civic-minded and was a county commissioner for a period of time. He was elated that he early voted this year and that his grandchildren of age were interested in voting as well. He would call and leave them daily voicemails reminding them to “be sure and vote now! I mean it.” 

He and Teresa were dedicated to their children and enjoyed attending and supporting any activities in which they were involved. Their home was always open to whatever stray dog or friend(s) the kids drug home. As they empty nested, they enjoyed road trips to visit friends and family or hosting the extended family at their home. They also enjoyed just sitting on their back porch and watching the wildlife terrorize the garden and enjoy 'Mike’s pond'. Teresa preceded David in death in 2022 after 53 years of marriage. When meeting his new great grandson, Keaton, earlier this year, his first comment was, “Your Mully would have a fit.” She never left his thoughts. 

David is also survived by four siblings: Patsy (Jesse), James (Ann), Becky (Bill) and Janice as well as seven in-law siblings: Billie, Vicki (Danny), Sandra (Jim), Mike (Pam), Mark (Glenda), Janet, and Scott (Carol) plus a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that will miss him, the memories made, and good times shared. 

Funeral Services for David were held at 1 P.M. Words of remembrance were given by Barry Tapp and Bobby Holland. Private interment followed.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Wilson and Franklin Grimes, Ricky Dunavant, Ray Kirkland, Tony Morton and Mike Ward. Honorary pallbearers were Everett Morris, Zachary Kitchens, Chris Morris and Jeff Voss. 

In lieu of flowers, David had requested any memorials be made to Evergreen Cemetery Fund, c/o Cheryl Rike, 6075 Railroad Street, Williston, TN 38076 or St. Jude’s Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.