Tom cherished his younger years growing up in Alexandria. He spent his days playing on Bayou Rapides and the farm of his cousins. Tom discovered his passion for cooking in the kitchen with his mother. He learned fine cooking while working in the French Quarter of New Orleans. This love of delicious cuisine was an essential fabric of Tom’s life, woven with thoughtful consideration into every family gathering.
In 1977, Tom met Barbara Mouton at a lecture in Baton Rouge. He often told the story of seeing her for the first time and knowing right away that she was the one with whom he would share his life. Tom and Barbara were married on May 26, 1979 and welcomed three children; Laila, Stephanie, and Justin.
Tom had a strong acumen towards business with a keen sense for identifying areas of need or improvement. His ideas and solutions resulted in a successful career as an entrepreneur and proprietor of several businesses, including the Gulf Coast Transportation Service and Perkins Ferry Storage.
Tom devoted much of his time to one of his favorite hobbies, exploring the great outdoors. An avid travel enthusiast, Tom enjoyed discovering new places to visit. His favorite destinations often included beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Tom enjoyed discussing diverse philosophical subjects, listening to the music of his beloved Jimmy Buffet and Elvis, and preparing artisan cocktails for those gathered around his bar. Above all else, Tom enjoyed spending time with family and friends, sharing stories, business advice, his famous “sage wisdom” for life, and rediscovering the world through the eyes of his grandchildren. Tom was a member of the SWLA Master Naturalists, Pelican Coast Parrot Head Club as well as a member of the the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC.
Those left behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 45 years, Barbara Mouton Morris; daughters Laila Morris and Stephanie Paris (Matthew), of Lake Charles; son Justin Morris (Nate Gardner) of Shreveport; grandchildren Natalie, Madilynn and Evelynn Paris, and Tristan Greer of Lake Charles; siblings Bill, Sam, and Chris (Tammy) Morris, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Jeanette Morris of Alexandria, LA.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Hixson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff on Sunday, November 17, with visitation at 12 P.M. and a memorial service at 2:30 P.M. Attendees are encouraged to wear colorful attire in memory of Tom’s vibrant spirit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse humanitarian organization.
“A sea of friends are singing
Vaya con dios
Mis amigos
We take their hopes and feelings
To some new world
We'll be revealing…” -Jimmy Buffet
