Born July 16, 1925 in Baltimore, MD, raised in Lynchburg, VA he was the son of a stained-glass craftsman and a local nurse. After service in the Air Force during WWII he graduated from the University of Missouri in three years on the GI bill with a degree in Journalism. He began his career at the Associated Press (AP) working with the Bluefield Telegraph newspaper in West Virginia where he met and married his wife of 49 years, Virginia Lee Van Riper Morris (1930-2000). Together they raised three children in Philadelphia.
His writing career took him to Ford Motor Company and then to Campbell Soup Company where he opened the first public relations department and worked in various executive positions for the next 30 years, including launching Recipe Dog Food product line and running Mrs. Paul’s Kitchens. He and his family moved to Kings Lynn, England while he led Campbell Soup Company Europe from 1975-1980. Upon his return to the US, he had responsibility for merger and acquisitions on behalf of Campbell Soup, including the acquisition of Godiva Chocolate, until his retirement in 1990.
He continued his love of travel throughout his retirement, traveling on an around the world trip with his wife. He was a long-time member at Merion Golf Club in Philadelphia, The Country Club of Florida and The Ocean Club in Delray FL. He was a most proud and dedicated grandfather to his eight grandchildren. JR, as he was known to his family, was capable of finding a way to improve any story, and he could turn everyday experiences into funny tales worth repeating through the ages. His love for the written and spoken word continued throughout his life, and his book, “In My Own Words” chronicles his life through an interesting historic perspective. https://bit.ly/2Icdcw0
He is survived by his three children, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren including daughter Lee (and Bob) Birdsong of Atlanta, GA, Van (and Susan) Morris, of Charleston SC, and John (and Nancy) Morris of Smyrna, GA. Grandchildren include Rob (and Sarah) Birdsong, Caroline Morris, Jon (and Emily) Birdsong, Mallory (Morris) and (Chris) Stanislawczyk, Sam (and Annie) Birdsong, J.T. Morris, Hannah Morris and Sean Morris. Greatgrandchildren include Grady Birdsong and Adley Birdsong; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
He is also survived by his devoted sister, Elizabeth Long of Elizabethtown KY and his longtime companion Carole Sibley of Delray FL.
Service will be held Sunday, June 24th at Smyrna First United Methodist Church at 3pm, followed by a celebration of life at his daughter’s home.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes that you honor John by celebrating your own life, living it fully, and creating your own legacy among those you love.
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