Rev. L. David Morris

David was born on Sunday, June 17, 1945, in Bridgeton, New Jersey, to the late LeRoy Morris and Kathryn (Kitty) Hess Morris Ostrander.

During his teenage years in Illinois, he was active in Scouting and became an Eagle Scout. Following his 1963 graduation from Granite City High School in Granite City, Illinois, David joined the United States Air Force, attending Air Police Tech School and basic training at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. He was later stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War, where he served as a military policeman and was exposed to Agent Orange. Little did he know that this exposure would lead to the health issues he battled throughout the years, ultimately contributing to his death.

After his discharge from the Air Force, David returned to Illinois, where he became active in the Shriners Band and served as Commander of American Legion Post 113. He also worked in a variety of business-related positions before becoming a church directory photographer in Memphis. It was during this time that he felt God’s calling to ordained ministry.

From 1978 until 1981, David attended Memphis Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. His 33 years of ministry in the United Methodist Church began in 1978, serving at Stephenson Chapel, a predominantly white congregation, and Calvary Longview, an African American congregation in Memphis. David often spoke of the acceptance he experienced in both churches and the close relationships he built with their members.

David later served congregations at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Kentucky and the Arlington-Millburn Charge. While serving in Kentucky, he met his future wife, Deborah, in her mother’s hospital room during one of his pastoral visits. That meeting began their 39 years of marriage and ministry together.

After returning to Tennessee in 1989, David’s final 22 years of ministry included serving Salem-Walnut Grove United Methodist Churches in Milan, Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church in Jackson, and concluding his pastoral ministry at Oak Grove-Fillis Chapel United Methodist Churches in Gibson County. During the 1990s, he also completed doctoral coursework at The University of the South in Sewanee. David retired from the Legacy Memphis Annual Conference in 2011.

In addition to his ministry, David was called to teach. He served as a vocational instructor in the Milan Special School District before joining the Jackson-Madison County School System, where he taught vocational courses at both North Side and South Side High Schools. His students learned not only the technical skills of their trades but also the people skills that would serve them throughout their lives.

Beyond the classroom, David demonstrated his commitment to others through his service with the Jackson-Madison County Education Association, where he served two terms as president. Alongside his executive board, he worked closely with central office administrators and county commissioners to improve the welfare and livelihoods of school employees.

Following retirement, David remained active through the Jackson-Madison County Retired Teachers Association, again serving two terms as president. Together with his executive board, he kept members informed about state and local issues while fostering fellowship, friendship, and enjoyment among fellow retirees.

For the past 55 years, David was a Master Mason and a member of Triple Lodge No. 835 of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois. In 2021, members of the local Masonic Lodge in Humboldt visited his home to present him with his 50-year pin and certificate, a gesture he deeply appreciated.

Locally, David was also a member of the Northside Lions Club and later the Humboldt Lions Club, attending meetings until declining health prevented his participation.

As his mobility became more limited, David enjoyed spending time at home reading, exploring on his computer, keeping up with current events, and watching Western movies.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by two brothers, William C. Morris and Timothy J. Morris, and one sister, Brenda Carrington.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Morris; brothers, Donald Morris (Janet) and Richard Morris; sister, Linda Addington (Harry); as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A service to celebrate the life of Rev. David Morris will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with Rev. Paul Hare officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m., one hour prior to the service.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Arlington City Cemetery in Arlington, KY with Rev. Judd Mowery officiating. Masonic Rites and Military Honors will be observed at the graveside.