Col. Morris was born September 1, 1924, in Augusta, Georgia, the son of the late Marion Wingfield Morris and the late Marie Louise Morris of Cartersville. Col. Morris was preceded in death by his two sisters, Marybelle Swift Dent of California and Marian Rogers of Cartersville.
Col. Morris graduated from Cartersville High School, attended Georgia Military College and was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. After graduating West Point in 1945 and serving a tour of duty in Europe, Col. Morris married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Wofford Morris. They were married 65 years until Mary passed away in 2013. Together they enjoyed raising 5 children, traveling the world, summering at Sanibel Island, and doting on their 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Col. and Mrs. Morris were active members of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody, Georgia, where he served as Sessions Clerk and chaired the Pastor Nominating Committee. After returning to Cartersville, Col. and Mrs. Morris rejoined the First Presbyterian Church of Cartersville where they were originally married in 1948.
After graduating from West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Col. Morris enjoyed a long and storied, 27-year career with the United States Army of which he was immensely proud. Immediately after graduation he served in the World War II European Occupation Forces 3rd Infantry Division, followed by serving in the 1st Cavalry Division in the Korean War where he earned a Combat Infantry Badge. He returned home and was stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia, serving as the Commander of the Tomb Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Following that assignment, Col. Morris was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he received his jump wings and became an instructor. His career led him to a second Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. Col. Morris served two tours in Washington, DC, with the Defense Intelligence Agency, served a second tour in Korea, and was the Brigade Commander for the Army Training Center at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, before completing his work for the United States Army with the Southern Command in the Panama Canal Zone. After his retirement from the Army, Col. Morris returned to his beloved Georgia where he spent 17 years serving as Chief of Operations in the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.
Colonel Morris is survived by his daughter, Mary Bramble of Cumming; his son Brian M. Morris of Cartersville; and sons and daughters-in-law: James W. Jr. and Carolyn L. Morris of Marietta, William C. and Jane Morris of Monument, Colorado, Peter C. and Elizabeth Morris of Clemmons, North Carolina, and their children and grandchildren.
Colonel Morris’s services will be held in the spring 2021 at the Georgia National Cemetery on Veterans Cemetery Road in Canton, Georgia, with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Cartersville.
Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to post tributes and sign the online register. Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, has charge of the arrangements.
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