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Mr. John Alton Morris, Jr.

July 19, 1940 - January 16, 2012
Columbia, South Carolina

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“Bess and Sally, so sorry to hear about John's death. I was so shocked. It was so good to see him and visit with him at the "reunion" last May, 2011...Read More » ”
1 of 35 | Posted by: Becky Hoover Haney - NC

“Bess & Sally, some of my favorite and funniest memories are of growing up with John. He was a special friend and I grieve with you for his loss. ”
2 of 35 | Posted by: Carolyn Bates Whitmire - Atlanta, GA

“Dear Bess....Halberg called me about John's passing. I left HM 30 years ago. John hired me in the Mgmt. Training program in 1974 and I was assigned...Read More » ”
3 of 35 | Posted by: Ed Lipinski - Lake Barrington, IL

“Bess, Sorry to hear of John's passing. Harriet and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to your family. John will be greatly missed. Bob Irwin ”
4 of 35 | Posted by: Bob and Harriet Irwin - PA

“We've been holding John and all his family in the Light since hearing from Sally about his condition. May peace be with you all. ”
5 of 35 | Posted by: Jim and Muriel Prevatt - NC

“Sally and Family- Please know that we are holding you close to our hearts during this time. ”
6 of 35 | Posted by: Kim LeBlanc - Greensboro, NC

“Dearest Friends of John and Bess..Please click on my "Share a Memory" story. We are remembering John with love and peace, and holding him in the...Read More » ”
7 of 35 | Posted by: Sally DeJournette Morris Randall - NC

“Many memories of good times with John. For me, a very good friend during our days at Murphy High School and, for Larry, many good times with John at...Read More » ”
8 of 35 | Posted by: Linda and Larry Posey - Marietta, GA

“Dear Sally, So sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. ”
9 of 35 | Posted by: Linda vaughn - Greensboro, NC

“Bess, Sorry to hear about the death of John. Spent many hours at his house, growing up. We have fond memories of doing many things together. Also...Read More » ”
10 of 35 | Posted by: Jim & Ramona Hendrix - Murphy, NC

“Bess, we were so sorry to hear of Johns death.You are in our prayers. ”
11 of 35 | Posted by: +June & Bobby Thomas - Fairfax, SC

“BESS.... OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.... JOHN WAS VERY SPECIAL AND WE SHALL MISS HIM........ TOM AND JUDY GENTRY ”
12 of 35 | Posted by: TOM AND JUDY GENTRY - MURPHY, NC

“Bess,our hearts were broken on January 16 with the loss of our dear friend John. We have wonderful memories that we will cherish of all the fun times...Read More » ”
13 of 35 | Posted by: Michael D and Charlotte - Chapin, SC

“So sorry to learn of John's passing. He will be missed. ”
14 of 35 | Posted by: brian dressler - columbia, SC

“Bess...I am so extremely sad to hear about the loss of your 1/2. I have so many happy memories of you and John at Myrtle Beach. The waves are going...Read More » ”
15 of 35 | Posted by: Donna Brooks - Woodstock, GA

“John and I shared a professional relationship. He was always pleasant and polite when he visited my office. Many times we would spend more time...Read More » ”
16 of 35 | Posted by: Bill Gorski - West Columbia, SC

“Bess, My God cradle you in his arms and bring you comfort, peace, and brightly lighted memories of your life with my old pard, Number 22 on your...Read More » ”
17 of 35 | Posted by: John Haralson (Harry) Duncan - NC

“Bess Our thoughts and prayers are with you.We all will miss John. ”
18 of 35 | Posted by: Bob Ringer - Dalton, GA

“We will never forget our first view of the ocean in 2001, and the pelican flyover courtesy of "John's Guide Service." ”
19 of 35 | Posted by: Joyce & Junior Luzader - Nokomis, IL

“Bess, I am so sorry to hear about John. What a distinguished gentlemen. Peace be with you. Take Care. Brenda Brinkley-Byrd ”
20 of 35 | Posted by: Brenda Brinkley-Byrd - Columbia, SC

“Dear Bess Words can't begin to express how deeply sorry we are about John. He was such a special person to us.... and you will always be that too....Read More » ”
21 of 35 | Posted by: Diane and Gordon - Friends

“Bess, we are so sorry to learn of John's passing. The picture of him tells it all, he was fun to be with, a good friend and great HOA president. We...Read More » ”
22 of 35 | Posted by: Bill & Geri - Andover, NY

“Dear Bess, My condolences to you on the loss of your Johnny. What a beautiful, lovingly written tribute to him and what a fantastic picture of...Read More » ”
23 of 35 | Posted by: Rosemary Cassidy - New York, NY

“tough to say goodbye to my favorite "desperado" John you were a great man, a great supporter of the Deacs and husband to Beth. I will miss your...Read More » ”
24 of 35 | Posted by: Peter Cassidy - New York, NY

“Bess, I'm so sorry about John. I am glad I got to share some fabulous martinis with him! Hugs, Andy ”
25 of 35 | Posted by: andy keenan

“Bess our deepest sympathies for the loss of John. He will always be remembered and will be in our hearts. From all the the Crew at Jeffco,...Read More » ”
26 of 35 | Posted by: The Jeffco Company - Conway, SC

“Mrs. Morris: I am a friend of Ms. Ealey and her daughter, Noelle. We are thinking of you as we continue to learn so much about Uncle John and the...Read More » ”
27 of 35 | Posted by: Theresa Hamm - Seneca, SC

“We're so sorry for your loss, Bess. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Peg and Norm ”
28 of 35 | Posted by: Peggy and norm arnold - FL

“Bess, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you, Chuck ”
29 of 35 | Posted by: Chuck Plowden

“We will miss you and cherish our special memories of you. ”
30 of 35 | Posted by: Jerry and Sheryl Payne - Havana, IL

“Expressing our Deepest Sympathy and Love to Bess, Ginger, Katie, Andy, Amelia, Jenifer and Noelle. We know how Special John was in your lives. May...Read More » ”
31 of 35 | Posted by: Rick and Ruth Mather - Portage, MI

“Bess, you have our deepest Sympathy. John will be truly missed by all the owners of The Anchorage. His presence, hard work and energy will be...Read More » ”
32 of 35 | Posted by: Pat Marasco - Pittsburgh, PA

“I'm so sorry for your loss Bess. He will be missed tons. If there is anything I can ever do for you please don't hesitate to ask. Love you and...Read More » ”
33 of 35 | Posted by: Chris Bragg - Marietta, GA

“We wish to extend our sincerest sympathy to Bess and your family at this sad time. Our thoughts are with you. Linda & Peter Gauthier Anchorage I,...Read More » ”
34 of 35 | Posted by: Mr. & Mrs. Peter Gauthier

“The staff of Dunbar Funeral Home extends sincere condolences to the family of Mr. John A. Morris, Jr. ”
35 of 35 | Posted by: David Hardee - Columbia, SC

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COLUMBIA - A Celebration of the Life of John A. Morris, Jr. will be held from 5-7 pm Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. John A. Morris of Columbia and Myrtle Beach, SC passed away Monday, January 16th at Providence Hospital. John was born in Greenville, SC on July 19, 1940 to Rev. John A. & Mrs. Gladys D. Morris. He spent his childhood in the mountains of Murphy, NC; a place he loved and was captain of his high school football team, the Murphy Bulldogs, when they won the state championship.

John graduated from Wake Forest University where he played football, being named the Fastest Man of the Wake Forest Deacon Squad for the 1960 season. There he met his best friend and fellow teammate, Bob McCreary. While at Wake Forest he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. John continued to support the Demon Deacons as a season ticket holder attending the 2006 Orange Bowl, when Wake Forest was the ACC Champions. He also supported and loved Gamecock football. Being a fixture at all the games, he will be greatly missed by his tailgating friends at the "Touchdown Zone", especially Mike and Charlotte Synder.

John met the love of his life, Bess, when the two worked at Horace Mann Insurance Company in Springfield, Illinois. John, being a native southerner, made his way to Columbia, SC in the 1970's and they made Columbia their home. John and Bess sold their business, ValPak, and retired, splitting their time between Columbia (especially during football season) and their home in Myrtle Beach. John enjoyed sitting on his porch, reading the paper with a martini and a good cigar. John and Bess also enjoyed vacationing and spending time with his childhood friends, including the "Hanging Doggers", with whom he spent an annual get-together for 20 years. He was blessed with so many cherished friends, and they were blessed by him, especially Salvador, Eva and their family.

John leaves behind his wife, Bess; his sister, Sally Morris Randall of Greensboro, NC; his god-daughter, Jennifer Ealey and her daughter, Noelle, of Seneca, SC; his god-daughter, Katie Black and her daughter, Amelia, of Bluffton, SC, and a number of nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved Desbo and Misti Rae.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his furry children, Murphy, Mickey, Buff, Tini, Doc and Bana.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Christian McCreary Memorial c/o of the Humane Society of Catawba County, P O Box 63, Hickory, NC 28603.

Memories & Candles

Page: 1 of 4

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Bess and Sally, so sorry to hear about John's death. I was so shocked. It was so good to see him and visit with him at the "reunion" last May, 2011.

A couple years ago, my grandson and I ran into John at a WFU football game. He took me out to the RV that Bob McCreary had in the parking lot and introduced me to him. Wake came back from a big deficit and won the game that day.

... more

Posted by: Becky Hoover Haney - Winston-Salem, NC - friend since childhool Jan 30, 2012

Bess & Sally, some of my favorite and funniest memories are of growing up with John. He was a special friend and I grieve with you for his loss.

Posted by: Carolyn Bates Whitmire - Atlanta, GA - Friend Jan 30, 2012

Dear Bess....Halberg called me about John's passing. I left HM 30 years ago. John hired me in the Mgmt. Training program in 1974 and I was assigned to Halberg. Then, I joined you in Bldg Services in 1975 That was the best move I made there.It was a pleasure working with you both. I will remember all the laughs outside your office on the 6th floor when Ed Bishop would come out and tell us stories. Even more so, the

... more

Posted by: Ed Lipinski - Lake Barrington, IL - co-worker/friend Jan 23, 2012

Bess,
Sorry to hear of John's passing. Harriet and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to your family. John will be greatly missed.
Bob Irwin

Posted by: Bob and Harriet Irwin - Williamsport , PA - Former Wake Forest teammate Jan 23, 2012

We've been holding John and all his family in the Light since hearing from Sally about his condition. May peace be with you all.

Posted by: Jim and Muriel Prevatt - Greensboro, NC - Close friends of John's sister Jan 21, 2012

Sally and Family- Please know that we are holding you close to our hearts during this time.

Posted by: Kim LeBlanc - Greensboro, NC Jan 21, 2012

Dearest Friends of John and Bess..Please click on my "Share a Memory" story. We are remembering John with love and peace, and holding him in the light. Sally DeJournette Morris, Melanie and John Albright, Ran, Sam, Jake; Brooks and Nor Randall,Olivia; Chal and Nancy Randall;Carol and Larry Morris,Peggy,Delores DeJournette and many,many more Morris and DeJournette cousins who have sent messages from Georgia to California.Also, blessings to John and Bess's Godchildren they love.

Posted by: Sally DeJournette Morris Randall - Greensboro,N.C.27410, NC - Sister Jan 21, 2012

Many memories of good times with John. For me, a very good friend during our days at Murphy High School and, for Larry, many good times with John at the Hanging Dog reunions. So glad we were able to spend a little time with him the last few years and revisit the past and share some laughs. So very proud of the time and effort he and Sally put into the presentation at the Texanna Community Center last summer. We will miss him.

Posted by: Linda and Larry Posey - Marietta, GA - Friend Jan 21, 2012

Dear Sally,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Posted by: Linda vaughn - Greensboro, NC - family friend Jan 20, 2012

Bess, Sorry to hear about the death of John. Spent many hours at his house, growing up. We have fond memories of doing many things together. Also memories of the lunch we shared with you and John in Murphy at No-Name

Posted by: Jim & Ramona Hendrix - Murphy, NC - Murphy High School Friends Jan 20, 2012

Page: 1 of 4

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Life Stories provides friends and families a forum to post their favorite stories and memories of Mr. John Alton Morris, Jr. ensuring the precious experiences are never forgotten. Share joyful times, post a photo that captures the moments you cherish, and allow others to reply, relive and remember.

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Dearest Friends of John and Bess,
My family, my children and grandchildren remember John with love. As I look at childhood photos of big sister and baby brother, our family also remembers Baptisms, Thanksgivings,Christmases in earlier years with Granny Gladys, after our Daddy died too young. John and I shared a wonderful memory this summer. John inspired the two of us to meet a deadline,re-record an old Wollensak tape, and together write a tribute to our Preacher Daddy. John spoke and we presented these old gospel hymns and spirituals ( recorded in the early fifties) to the historical black Mt. Zion Baptist church at the Texana Homecoming on the mountain in Murphy. John and I shared a compassion for justice and equality for all.I am thankful for Bess for nursing him through his illness. If anyone would like a copy of the cd let us know. John would love... READ MORE →

Posted by Sally Morris Randall from Greensboro,N.C. 27410, NC - Sister on January 21, 2012

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So long old pal. I miss you.
Ghost

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Posted by Gene K Bates from Greensboro, NC - Fellow Hanging Dogger on January 19, 2012

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We were renting a unit at The Anchorage when we first met John and Bess. Their warmth and hospitality helped us decide to buy our own condo there, and over these past few years we became such good friends.
We owe them so much...... an introduction to the uniqueness of tailgating, and a now-shared love of the Gamecocks; the magnificence of Agusta. So many evenings of wonderful company and fun-filled debates. A taste of genuine Southern hospitality in Columbia and at the beach too. And new tastes.. boiled peanuts, red-eye gravy, shrimp and grits, John's secret cache of moonshine.
It was so very sad, then, that John's health prevented a long-awaited visit to us here in Montreal last summer. He was really looking forward to seeing the whales in the St-Lawrence river.
We will miss that loud four-second "HEY" from his balcony each time we arrived, and the bear-hugs too. ... READ MORE →

Posted by Diane and Gordon from Saint Bruno, Quebec, Canada - Friend on January 18, 2012

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John was a very special person. Gordon thought so much of him and I'd like to think they are together now with the other hangin' doggers, Goothead and the sheriff. There will never be another group of lifelong friends like they were. Stay strong, Bess. My thoughts are with you.

Posted by Sandra Bates on January 18, 2012

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We will always cherish the memories shared with John and Bess sitting on the patio at the beach, at the house in Columbia or on the patio in Illinois sharing a drink and many special stories.

Posted by Sheryl and Jerry Payne from Havana, IL - Friends on January 17, 2012

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Nelson and John loved the Clemson - Carolina ganes with sug a vengeance that strangers thought they wer real enemies. I sometimes think John dreaded that first moment when Nelson walked in the door decked out in his Orange pants and tiger paw shirt. When the game was not held in Columbia, John and his pals would call Nelson with a special greeting just for him.What a great memory. We will miss you. Nelson is waiting for you with a martini.

Posted by Ginger Ealey from Rgers, AR - friend on January 17, 2012

Mr. John Alton Morris, Jr.

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