Dr. Manford Donald Morris

1926 - 2022

Dr. Manford Donald Morris, 95, of Conway, passed away peacefully at his home Feb. 5, 2022.

Manford was born in Kamiah, Idaho, on April 18, 1926, to James N. and Ella K. Morris. When he was still young, Manford's family moved to Spokane, Washington, a place that remained dear to his heart.

Manford entered the Navy in May of 1944, but was never able to serve. He contracted rheumatic fever during basic training and was left with a heart murmur that prevented his continued service. Although he was unable to serve, he retained a lifetime affection and appreciation for the military, especially the "greatest generation."

In 1949, Manford received his B.S. in Biology, with an emphasis in Biochemistry, from the University of San Francisco. In 1951, he earned his M.S. in Chemistry from the University of San Francisco, his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1958.

Manford's professional experience included postdoctoral work at the University of California San Francisco Department of Medicine. After his years there, he went to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Biochemistry. He quickly became an Associate Professor and then a Professor of Pediatrics and Biochemistry. Upon his retirement, he was a Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UAMS. In 2002, he was made an Adjunct Professor of Food Science at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He also received a Special Research Fellowship from the National Institutes of Health to take a sabbatical year and study with Dr. Donald B. Zilversmit at Cornell University. Manford published and presented papers on his beloved lipids, nationally and internationally. In retirement he studied and raised blueberries and garlic. It was commented he did it just to keep data. Studying and understanding data was one of his passions.

Manford married the love of his life, Betty Mae, in 1951. Together they built a life, always appreciating their western roots. He enjoyed traveling, especially in the United States. Manford was a reader, a die-hard San Francisco 49ers fan, a San Francisco Giants fan and a Cubs fan by default (Betty Mae). He was a tenderhearted, people person. Manford was an encouraging, caring, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend. People were always a priority and because of that, he is greatly missed.

Manford became a Christian in his late 30s and served the Lord faithfully the rest of his life. He was always active in church, serving as an elder, on various committees and singing in the choir. His service was not limited to church. In the 60s, he and Betty tutored children in Scott, Arkansas. It broke his heart to see a science textbook that was per-atomic energy. They also served for many years in the Stew Pot ministry in downtown Little Rock. He was determined to make a difference. Manford was active in Bible Study Fellowship and, for many years, he and Betty were small group leaders in Community Bible Study. Manford served in the men's ministry at Family Life Bible Church until he could no longer attend. He exemplified serve local, love local long before that became popular.

Manford was the last man standing of his generation. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Betty Mae; his parents, James N. and Ella K. Morris; his siblings, Fred Morris (Margaret), Peg Prewitt (Bob), Arthur Morris (Pearl), Blanche Hersman (George), Clyde Morris, Dortha Nimnicht (Ernest); and all of his first cousins.

Manford is survived by his three children, Cheryl Wood (Keith), Mary Scruggs (Jim Roy) and son, James; his grandchildren, Hannah Humphrey (Bryan) of Blevins, Arkansas, Emily Wood (Philip Powell) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Kyle Scruggs (Tamara) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Stewart Scruggs of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dr.Claire Truban (Mitchell) of Signal Mountain, Tennessee; and his great-grandchildren, Finn, Mae, Katherine and Ann Kimble. He also has a niece, Kathee Morris; and two nephews, Don Morris and James Nimnicht, who survive him.

Manford is also survived by his loving caregivers who became family, Beverly, Scarlet, Wilma, Linda and Annie; Hospice family, David, Rubye and Pastor Will.

The family wants to say a special thanks to our caregivers and Hospice Home Care. They made staying in his own home possible.

A service of Remembrance and Celebration will be Saturday, April 30, 11 a.m. at Family Life Bible Church, 150 South Hogan Lane, Conway. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

Matamoros Children's Home, C/O Family Life Bible Church, P.O. Box 10658, Conway, AR 72034 or Hospice Home Care 821 A North Creek Dr, Conway, AR 72032.