Sept. 30, 1940-Aug. 6, 2019
Ray was the first of ten children born to Dale and June Morris. He grew up in South Salt Lake and graduated from Granite High School in 1959. Ray loved sports and spent many days playing baseball. He attended the University of Utah for two years and then started to work. He worked construction with his father until he discovered electrical engineering. He worked as a civilian employee at Hill Air Force Base repairing computers for their fighter jets. On October 30, 1967, Ray’s life was changed forever. While dragging State Street with his brother Steve and a close friend, Dean, they picked up three chicks. One was a tall glass of water named Margaret. They were married July 11, 1969, in the Lehi Riding Club. Ray went back to working construction and then to Graybar Electric before starting his career at Ma Bell.
In 1970, Ray and his brothers decided to organize a Family Fast Pitch Softball Team. The Raiders were created and remained a part of the Salt Lake County League for 25 years. All seven brothers played for the team along with several nephews. Summer softball tournaments became a family camping event with many of the Morris family going including Grandpa Dale Morris.
After retirement from the Bell System in 1995, Ray started his dream job as a full time grandpa. Margaret was still working full time for the Ken Garff organization and Ray’s shopping and spending was getting out of hand. It was then decided that it was in his best interest that he go back to work. He returned to the workforce as a part time runner for Ken Garff Nissan so that his spending could be kept in check. He remained a runner until two months after Margaret’s retirement in 2014. He then spent his remaining years with his wife traveling and enjoying time together with their children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters.
Ray was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in many positions. Along with his wife, he served two service missions, one to the Salt Lake City Inner City Mission and one at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.
He passed away Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 in Murray, Utah, surrounded by his very large, loving family.
Ray is survived by his wife, Margaret, his children: Brent (Shauna), Trudy (Mike), Bret (Angie), Ryan (Carolyn), and Erin (Demetrius). His sisters, Kathleen, Maureen and Pam (Gary). His brothers, Robert, Steve (Leana), Keith (Jayne), Randy (Shelly), Jim (Anita), Bill (Taunya). His 19 grandchildren and 5 ½ great-grandchildren. His nieces and nephews (too many to count), and many friends and neighbors who he considered family.
Preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Lynn and Leonard, and sister in law Jeanie.
A viewing will be held Sunday, August 11th, 2019 from 6-8 PM at Valley View Memorial Park Funeral Home at 4435 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah. Services will be held Monday, August 12th, 2019 at 11 AM in the West Jordan 66th Ward Building located at 7511 South 2700 West, West Jordan, Utah, with a viewing one hour prior to services. Interment will be at Valley View Memorial Park.
