Gary Douglas Morris

GARY DOUGLAS MORRIS - age 67, of Knoxville, formerly of Kingsport and later of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away Tuesday, 1 February with loving family at his side after a prolonged battle with ALS. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Juanita Morris of Oak Ridge. Gary was a retired Computer Analyst with Y12/X10 in Oak Ridge and a retired 1SGT with the 278th ACR, Tennessee Army National Guard, having soldiered for 32 years. He lived a productive and adventure-filled life and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was an exceptional auto mechanic, carpenter, gardener, and handyman; and "Pappaw" could build or fix most anything!. He was a life-long lover of hunting and fishing and was a master of both, as well as an expert marksman. He traveled, hunted and fished across the Southern U.S. and Saskatchewan, Canada. He was a longtime supporter of wildlife programs and spent many sessions as a volunteer hunter safety instructor for TWRA. He was a passionate fan of the University of Tennessee football and basketball teams, especially his beloved Lady Vols. Gary will be remembered as a self-sufficient, hard-working and independent man. Gary was the happiest when he had his devoted wife and family by his side and is deeply missed. He is survived by wife of 45 years Paula (Polly) Johnson Morris, daughters Diann Byrd husband Robert Byrd and Jenni Lane husband Richard Lane; son David Wayne wife Alison Morris, 7 grandchildren with a great-grandchild on the way; brother Wayne Morris and wife Vivian Morris, sister Sandra Noe husband David Noe; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends across the U.S. who celebrate his life and mourn his passing. Family will receive friends from 5-7:30 pm Friday in the Worship Center of Grace Baptist Church, 7171 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville with service to follow at 7:30 pm. Family and friends will meet 10:45 am Saturday at Oak Ridge Memorial Park for an 11 am interment. Condolences may be made on our website www.weaverfuneralservices.com. Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home.