Jeffery Vannorden Morris

Jeffery Van Norden Morris, 94, of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025. Jeff was born November 1, 1930, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia, his parents Alexander and Julia Morris, his daughter, Tracey Ellen, his sister, Martha Dick and brother, Dana Morris and his beloved grandson, Stark Harle. He is survived by his daughters, Anne Elizabeth (Beth) Hosker (Phil), and Sally Harle (Bascom), his best friend, Lynda Dailey, along with three generations of nieces, nephews and extended family.

Jeff graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas. His education journey took him to Allen Military Academy where he earned an associate’s degree before continuing his studies at Texas Tech University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1952. While at Texas Tech, he was a member of the swim team and earned the distinction of being the first ever letter winner in swimming in school history.

After graduation, his professional journey took him to New Orleans, Louisiana and just a few years later he met Sylvia at a wedding on the LSU campus. They were engaged just a few months later and wed on October 30, 1955, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rayne, Louisiana. Theirs was a love story that endured many highs and lows throughout their 59 years, but it was a love everlasting.

Jeff and Sylvia moved to Houston shortly after Tracey was born and settled in Sharpstown where they would raise their three girls. During his career at Transco Energy, Jeff was involved in the Houston Geological Society and served as president from 1978-1979. Jeff retired from Transco (now Williams Companies) in 1985 after 23 years. He continued to utilize his oil and gas expertise doing consulting work until the desire to spend more time on the golf course took over. When Cinco Ranch Golf Course opened in 1994, Jeff jumped at the chance to earn a little mad money, have access to unlimited rounds of golf and introduce his grandson to the joys of golf, in between trips to the zoo and museums.

Jeff enjoyed a full life of family, golf and travel throughout the continental U.S., Europe, Hawaii and cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. And yes, he played golf every chance he could during those trips. He enjoyed watching the Houston Astros and his favorite team, the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

He will be deeply missed but we know that he is reunited with his loved ones in Heaven (including the 4-legged family members waiting at the Rainbow Bridge). The family wishes to thank the nurses and other caregivers at Parkway Place skilled nursing facility and Heart to Heart Hospice who treated him with respect, love and kindness.

A grave side service will be held at Memorial Oaks Cemetery on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 11:00 am. Visitation with the family will be held immediately following the service at the home of his daughter in Katy. All are encouraged to wear red and black to honor Jeff’s love of Texas Tech. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas Tech University College of Arts and Sciences or the charity of your choice.