With great sorrow we share the news that on Friday, December 8, 2018 William Larry (Bob) Morris died unexpectedly following brief, but severe pneumonia complications at the Gulf Breeze Baptist Hospital. Although not his official name, he chose to be called Bob almost as soon as he could speak. He was eighty-eight years of age and had been in declining health for over a year, following a broken hip.
Bob was born in the small town of Rhome in Wise County, Texas and lived his first eleven years in Decatur before moving for a brief stay to Midland, prior to moving to Dallas. His remaining education was in Dallas where he attended Sunset High School and later Arlington State College, graduating in 1949 with an AS in Industrial Engineering. Following a few years of work at Federal Pacific Electric designing electrical power distribution, he moved to New Mexico and began employment at the Los Alamos National Laboratory to support atomic energy research. It was there that he gained expertise in the electrical and cooling designs for the installation of supercomputers. Through his training, skill and careful attention he was selected to be involved in numerous supercomputer installations. In addition to his engineering skills, Bob was an avid collector and craftsman, developing a penchant for crafting Native-American silver and turquoise jewelry. Later, he directed his skills towards making miniature steam engines from scrap brass and steel using metal lathes and other metal working tools.
Bob was a military service member, joining the United States Navy Reserve in January, 1950 shortly before the Korean War. Although he did not serve directly in the War, he underwent full-time training with his unit to bolster readiness. Bob continued his military reserve commitment for 40 years before retiring in December, 1980 at the special rank of Master Chief Petty Officer and was unquestionably proud of his military service to the nation. Following his retirement from Los Alamos National Laboratory, operated under the University of California, he moved to Pensacola, Florida where he spent 26 years of retirement engaged in travel and hobbies.
Bob was preceded in death by his father Grady Morris and his beloved mother Ella (Mondrick) Morris. Also he is survived by an adored, adopted son, Lieutenant Commander Joseph Henry Sandoval. Although the adoption was not officially recorded, it is certified by unquestioning love and devotion. He is survived by a sister Joan G. Weaver of Dallas, Texas and a brother Gerald B. Morris of Slidell, Louisiana. He is also survived by two nieces, Teresa A. Harlan of Richmond, California and Linda K. Tieken of Austin, Texas, and cousin Althea Cooper of Weatherford, Texas.
His brother, who spent many hours with Bob in his last few years when he began to suffer dementia along with memory loss and confusion, knows that Bob was fond of his many friends and acquaintances in and around in Pensacola, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Dallas and his scattered Navy friend and colleagues. He valued their contributions and the joy and happiness they brought to his life and hoped that in no way did he offend or fail to
recognize this. In the Navy tradition, he wishes all of his friends and loved ones “fair winds and following seas”.
Memorial services will be held at noon on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Laurel Land Funeral Home in Dallas Texas. He will be buried in the Laurel Land Cemetery in the family section near his beloved mother. A brief visitation will be held at 11:00, prior to the
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