1945
2021
Maj (Ret) Terryl Roger Morris
March 27, 1945 - May 11, 2021
Seale, Alabama - Maj (Ret) Terryl R. Morris
Major Morris passed away May 11, 2021. He entered the US Army after graduating from high school in 1963 and served an enlisted man with the 82nd Airborne Division and 10th Special Forces Group, attaining the rank of SSG. He attended the Warrant Officer Flight program class 67-25 and 68-501 and upon graduation was immediately assigned to the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, Bear Cat, RVN flying the UH-1H and UH-1C helicopters. Towards the end of his first tour he was promoted to CW2 in the morning and later that same day was recalled to HQ and presented with a direct Commission to 2LT. He returned to Ft. Wolters as an instructor and after a year returned to Vietnam being assigned to D Company, 101st Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division flying the AH-1G Cobra. During his two tours in Vietnam, he was shot down 7 times and flew over 1800 combat hours. He earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, 4-Distinguished Flying Crosses with valor, 4-Purple Hearts, 53 Air Medals, three with V Device. ARCOM with V and several misc. I've been there medals. After Vietnam, he commanded units in the 82nd Airborne Division and Special Forces. He was a qualified paratrooper in both the US Army and the German Army. He retired in 1988 after 25 years of service, and went in to Law Enforcement retiring after 20 years as the Assistant Chief of Police in Phenix City, Alabama.
Major Morris is predeceased by his wife, Virginia Morris, Jeffery Allen Morris and Richard Lee Morris. He is survived by his son, Howard and daughter, Tara-Sue, four sisters, Barbara Sturgeon, Erica Morris-Zahrt, Peggy Denney, Melody Arcilla, his Uncle Cecil Moore and six grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 12:30pm Monday, May 17, 2021 in Lakewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby, Phenix City, AL. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. Monday prior to the service.
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6 Entries
I saw this distinguished veteran at his home twice, and lastly a little over a year ago. We met through military wing collecting. Major Morris was a WW1 wing expert and wrote the only definitive book yet today on the subject while he was stationed in Washington DC using library of Congress to track records and contact a few living and also families of WW1 Veterans. I sold him his WW1 Bombing Military Aviation wing (BMA) out of my collection on my last visit. He posted it last January on the usmilitariaforum.com website and showed his best new wing purchased in 2020. I'm heartsick I didn't know his funeral date until 24 hrs. after it happened. Seven shoot downs and four purple hearts. Among the V citations for Valor. What a true American hero. I saluted Major Morris when I left his home in Seale and he sharply returned a salute and said carry on! I loved that guy, and will miss his invite that if I came back through heading to Florida to call ahead and stop by, we'd eat dinner. I'll always have a sad spot that won't ever happen now. Airborne Sir~
Godspeed.
Jeff Croy (Please, a family member contact me.)
Friend
May 18, 2021
I loved working with Chief Morris and yes he will always be that to me. I remember he always gave me a birthday card each year until he retired.He was a great man and a great boss.May you rest in peace,Chief.
Myra Herder
Coworker
May 16, 2021
Sorry for your loss I new the major for many years working for Phenix ambulance service prayers to your family from my mine he was a good man
Mike schneider
Friend
May 16, 2021
May loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
May 15, 2021
May God’s loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very difficult time. Matthew 5:4
Lansberry
May 14, 2021
I am sorry for your loss may our living God comfort the family during this difficult time.
Neighbor
May 14, 2021
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
May
17
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Striffler-Hamby Mortuary3770 Highway 431 North, Phenix City, AL 36868-2548
May
17
12:30 p.m.
Striffler-Hamby Mortuary3770 Highway 431 North, Phenix City, AL 36868-2548
Funeral services provided by:
Striffler-Hamby Mortuary3770 Highway 431 North, Phenix City, AL 36868-2548
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