COLUMBIA - Raymond E. Morris, Sr., 95, passed away after a short illness in Charlotte, N.C. on February 6, 2019. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine St., Columbia, SC. Military Honors and Burial will follow in Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel followed by a gathering of family and friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Ray was born June 6, 1923 in New Bedford, MA to Seraphim and Lena Mederios Morris. He served his country proudly in the US Army during WWII serving with 34th Division, Red Bull as a rifleman in the Italian campaign. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and three battle stars for his bravery.
After his service, he graduated from New Bedford Textile Institute now University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where he was Vice-President of Phi Psi Fraternity. He was a textile engineer with Uniroyal transferring his family from Massachusetts, Rockefeller Center, New York and then the Winnsboro plant in 1964. He and his beloved wife, Eleanor of 63 years raised their family in Columbia. He retired with 43 years of service.
He was devoted to his family and never met a stranger. A past member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and St. Joseph’s Senior Life Center. His life was enriched by his recent membership at the Levine JCC Senior Oasis Center where he gained so many dear friendships. He will be missed by many.
In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his wife, Eleanor Hendricks Morris and brother, George Morris.
He is survived by his children: Janet M. Faust (Delmar), Cayce, SC, Raymond Morris, Jr. (Glenda) Columbia, SC, Joe Morris (Debbie), Columbia, SC, Patti Slaughter (Jim), Charlotte, NC, Mary Beth Wilson, Gilbert, SC, Susan Warner (Tony), Columbia, SC. 12 Grandchildren: Ashley Trotter, Brooke Faust (Caleb) Murray, Brie Trotter (Derek) Bell, Tricia Trotter (Brian) Taper, Lauren Faust (Charles) Haltom, Amanda Mitchum, Chase (Jessica) Mitchum, Taylor Morris, Nick Mitchum, Raymond Wilson, Madison Morris, Blake Warner. 12 great-grandchildren: Kai Harmon, Isabella and Parker Murray, Addie and Barrett Coffer, Juliet Taper, Isaac and Henry Haltom, Coner, Caleb, and Eleanor Goldin and Wyatt Michalek. Many nieces and nephews in New Bedford, Ma.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Home Instead, especially Christine Irby and Tanya Long, and Providence Meadows Retirement Living staff for their amazing dedication and caring.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Church and JCC Oasis Center, 5007 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28226.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
