Irvine Ernest Morris Jr.

MORRIS Irvine Ernest Morris, Jr., 85, passed away Friday, July 17, 2009, in Jacksonville FL after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease and complications from a stroke. He was born in Atlanta, GA September 20, 1923, to I.E. Morris and Dorothy Fenn Morris. He attended public schools in Atlanta and Birmingham, AL, graduating from Phillips High School in Birmingham. He attended University of Alabama Tuscaloosa as a freshman and was in the Sigma Chi fraternity. He was then drafted into the Army where he served in the European theater in WWII under Gen. Patton. After returning home unharmed, he attended University of Georgia where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism and was an honorary member of the journalism fraternity, Sigma Delta Chi. After graduation, he worked for the Georgia Press Association. He was then recalled to active duty in the Army during the Korean conflict where he served as Public Information Officer for U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR). Upon discharge from the Army, he worked for the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce as Public Information Director and started Atlanta Magazine. He later became an International Trade Specialist for the U.S. Department of Commerce at the district office in Atlanta and ultimately retired from the Dept. of Commerce in 1979. During his time there, he served as president of the World Trade Organization for Georgia and Atlanta. He was honored by the Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta for expanding foreign trade in Atlanta and Georgia. In addition, he earned a law degree from Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta. After retirement he and his wife settled in Winter Springs, FL for many years. He served as president of the NARFE, was a member of the Military Order of World Wars, and was a member of the University Club and English-Speaking Union of Winter Park. He was also a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Thomasville, GA. They later moved to Jacksonville, FL where they lived at the Carriage Club and, most recently, the Atrium at Regency. Throughout his lifetime he avidly pursued his hobby of photography. In addition to being a talented photographer, he was also known for his quick wit and sense of humor, which we will all miss greatly. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Maurise Carlisle Morris, his daughter Mary Sue Morris Olsen of St. Johns County, and his grandchildren, including Matt and Kristina Olsen of Jacksonville, FL. His three sisters, Helen M. Branch, Mary M. Patton and Clara M. Martin, reside in Georgia. He will receive a military burial at Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer's Association will be appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted to Hardage Giddens Mandarin Chapel, 904-288-0025. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com