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Thomas Morrison Obituary
The first son of Thomas and Susan Morrison, Tom was born on May 12, 1970 in Detroit, Michigan but his roots are in Savannah, Georgia where he spent his childhood and adolescent years.
Growing up, he loved playing and watching sports, demonstrating a basketball talent that earned him a spot on the team at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts where he graduated Cum Laude. Tom went on to attend medical school in Atlanta at Emory University School of Medicine and completed a Neurosurgical Residency at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago as well as a Fellowship in Spinal Deformity. Dr. Morrison was a neurosurgeon and partner at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center in Atlanta. His highly lauded technical skill as a surgeon was matched by his compassionate and caring bedside manner.
Mara and their girls were the center of Tom's universe. He devoted countless hours coaching his daughters' basketball and soccer teams throughout their childhoods. When they aged out of parent-coached teams, he was an ever-present fixture cheering them on from the sidelines. Their frequent family trips kept Walt Disney World in business with Tom's only stipulation being that he got a sit-down lunch (and possibly a cold cocktail) each day they were in the theme parks.
Tom loved to travel with his family on far-flung adventures to Egypt, Greece, Spain, France, Japan, Australia and China, but he was happiest watching soccer matches on TV at home in his club chair crowded and flanked by at least three of the family's five rescue dogs.
A generous heart, Southern gentleman, and a straight shooter, Tom had a rollicking sense of humor and relished having fun, even at his own expense. He was up for any activity his wife and daughters dreamed up, be it their spirited Family Game Nights or dressing up in costume as a character for one of their birthday parties. He loved having his friends over for movie night in his basement, or to watch soccer nonstop out in his backyard. He lived life to its fullest and loved his family deeply.
Tom is survived by his wife of 23 years, Mara Morrison; daughters, Mary Grace and Eleanor Morrison; father, Tom Morrison II (Gina); brother, Ed Morrison (Maura); nieces Anna and Emily Morrison; nephew, Matthew Morrison; aunts, Nancy Nelson, Sheila Nelson and Carrie Nelson; brother-in-law, David Cartner (Melany); and his mother-in-law and father-in law, Virginia and David Cartner. He is predeceased by his loving mother, Susan Morrison; maternal grandparents, Betty and Ed Nelson; and paternal grandparents, Ann and Thomas Morrison.
Visitation will be on Sunday, August 25 at H.M. Patterson & Son - Spring Hill Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 26, 2019 at 10am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 4465 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327 with a graveside service to follow at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt Vernon Highway NW, Sandy Springs 30328.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House www.armhc.org or Angels Among Us Pet Rescue www.angelsrescue.org
Savannah Morning News August 24, 2019
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Morrison
Sponsored by SavannahNow.com.
Kathy Lee
September 12, 2019
We Are Heartbroken To Hear This News! Dr. Morrison Did Extensive Back Surgery On My Husband A Year And A Half Ago. We Will Be Forever Grateful To Him!
God Bless You All! Praying For You!
September 10, 2019
When Dr Max Steuer no longer took medicar patients he handed to over to Dr Morrison. He did my second back surgery/ And then suggested I needed neck surgery. I did not do it. Should have. today I requested him for a referral. needless to say, I was shocked.
So sorry a great loss and left us way too soo,
Alex Ross
August 29, 2019
I met Tom on the first floor of Clark Dorm in our freshman year at Holy Cross. Super bright, very athletic, kind, and a real gentleman, it was great to have Tom in my life. Our families got to know each other further over his time in Chicago and stayed in touch when they moved to Atlanta, always eagerly awaitng thier Christmas card. He will be sorely missed, and echoing the sentiments of my wife in an earlier post, our thoughts and prayers are with Mara and the family everyday.
August 29, 2019
I echo my wife's sentiments from an ealrier post. My family and I are better for having had Tom in our lives. I first met Tom at Holy Cross just down the hall of the first floor of Clark dorm. Super bright, very athletic, kind, and a true gentleman; it was great to have had him in our lives through Holy Cross, Chicago, and over his years in atlanta. Tom will be sorely missed and Mara and the family are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Lisa Sebesta
August 28, 2019
My deepest condolences to Tom's family. I remember Tom well from Holy Cross; he was extremely bright and hard working, I always knew he would be a successful doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Annie Ross
August 27, 2019
My heart breaks for Tom's family. What loving grace he shared with the world! Tom's friendship with my husband at Holy Cross carried over to our lives as young couples in Chicago. Tom's brilliance, wit, and easy grace charmed us all. Tom and Mara inspired us to get married and we took our first guidance in parenting from them. When our son was rushed to the ICU only a few days after birth, Tom had already put in a 20 hour shift, but he and Mara rushed to meet us there to shepherd us. We retell the story all the time of their teamwork, love and commitment to one another and shared mission to help and give to others at all times. Our world is a better place, and many lives were saved and much improved because of Tom's selfless dedication to service and to excellence. We will always remember him as a paragon among men. God bless his family. May they find consolation in knowing his generous spirit, love and sheer stamina run fiercely in them. Our thoughts and prayers are streaming to him in heaven and to his family.
August 26, 2019
He was one of the kindest physicians I have ever worked with. He had a sharp mind, and a caring heart. He was beloved by his patients everyone who worked with him. He is gone far too soon.
Catherine OliverSmith
August 26, 2019
I,too, was in school at SCDS with Tommy. I remember very well our biology class and can picture him sitting to the right of me towards the front, can see him as clearly as though he were there beside me now. From reading about his life after high school, I feel what a great loss his death is to his family and community. May you find peace in your memories and be comforted by knowing he was loved and special to so many.
August 26, 2019
We are sadden to hear the passing of Dr. Morrison. My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting him two months ago and he performed my husband surgery last month. To his wife and daughters your husband and father was an amazing man in the short time we've know him. We will keep yall in our prayers. May heaven shine upon you and your family.
Woodrow and Naomi Tillery
August 26, 2019
Tommy and I went to Savannah Country Day School together and I remember him being very funny, a great athlete, wicked smart and kindhearted. The total package. In reading the notice above it is clear that he just to improve in all areas of his life. There aren't too many professions more impressive than neurosurgery. What touched and amused me even more was reading about his enjoying watching soccer in his club chair surrounded by his 5 rescued dogs. That's so him. I loved reading about him taking his wife and kids on frequent Disney trips and I can see him laying down the law about the sit down meal. I am so sorry that his family has lost him. I am also sorry for his patients, colleagues, many friends, and his beloved dogs. He was really, really special and the world changed forever the day he died. I will pray for comfort for you, his beloved family.Love, Cam Miller
George Hodges
August 26, 2019
Very sorry to hear of Dr. Morrison's death. My condolences to the family. He saved my life in 2014 in an emergency situation.
Jon Stevens
August 25, 2019
As a friend and someone that coached soccer with Tom, I will always remember him for his humor, humility and tell it like it is approach to life! He is a great inspiration to many!
Leigh Ann Wheeler
August 25, 2019
I did not know Dr. Morrison, but my brother worked with him and has told me what a skilled neurosurgeon he was and also what a wonderful person. I am so sorry for all of you who lost him.
Paula Cook
August 25, 2019
I am in shock and sadness to hear of his passing. He was my wonderful doctor who saved my life 5 years ago. I send my prayers to his family and his team . He had so much compassion for his patients.
St. James School Class of 1984 Savannah GA
Elena Roush
August 24, 2019
RIP, Tommy
SJS Class of 1984
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
Jean and Joan Cooper
August 24, 2019
We pray God brings you peace that passeth understanding, and that He brings you comfort during these extremely trying times. We are praying for you. God bless you
Karl Martin
August 24, 2019
So very sorry for your loss......take comfort in your memories.
August 24, 2019
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers with you and your family.
The McDonald Family
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