Richard (Dick) Morris passed peacefully at home on November 30, 2018, at the age of 93. He is survived by his son, Scott, of Los Angeles, and his granddaughters, Courtney and Lindsey Harris, of Midland, as well as multiple generations of dear friends, including those from his youth in De Leon, Texas.Born November 23, 1925, Dick grew up during the Great Depression and learned its lessons well. Like many raised during the Depression era, he knew the value of hard work and he hated to see anything go to waste — especially a good meal.During World War II, he was in the Army Air Corp as an aviation cadet, from 1943 to 1945. He also spent 1951 to 1952 in the USAF, where he was commissioned and got his pilot’s license. Finally, he put in 5 years inactive reserve time. He trained in and flew a T-6, as the pilot, and loved airplanes and anything aeronautical for the rest of his days.A proud graduate of Texas A&M in 1951, Richard was a lifelong supporter of all things Aggie. He even got to witness his beloved Aggies win against LSU in 7 overtimes the day after he turned 93, which was the best gift he could have received. Among his career roles in life, he worked as a soda jerk during high school, a conductor on the MKT Railroad, sold life insurance and adding machines during his post-service years in Fort Worth, and ultimately ended up in Midland almost 60 years ago, working as a loan officer at First Savings & Loan, before eventually going out on his own as an independent residential real estate appraiser. He was also a Master Mason for more than 60 years.He and his wife, Marilyn, raised two families: their three birth children, and then after the untimely death of their daughter, Lynn, their beloved granddaughters, Lindsey and Courtney. It is sometimes said that love is sweeter the second time around, and Dick would probably agree, as the years spent raising his grandchildren were some of the happiest and most satisfying of his life. Courtney and Lindsey will miss him more than words can express.The family would like to extend special thanks to Richard's long-time physicians, Dr. Shylesh Ganta and Dr. Michael Miller, as well as the management and staff at Manor Park, and all of the physicians and friends who were so helpful this last year as his health began to decline. Special mention should also go to his granddaughter, Lindsey, who devoted these last few years to being Dick’s full-time caretaker.As a long time member of St. Lukes United Methodist Church, Richard had a deep and abiding faith which carried him through some hard losses over the years, but he persevered and ultimately became one of the longest-lived members of his family line. Even as he got older, he still remained the guy who always had a sly quip or joke for pretty much everyone he encountered. Dick basically never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by all.He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Curtis and Clora Morris, sister and brother, Marjorie Pattillo and Curtis Morris, his wife, Marilyn Morris, and his eldest son, Richard (Rick) Morris Jr., and daughter, Lynn Morris Harris.Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 2:00PM at De Leon Cemetery in De Leon, TX, Richard Edwards officiating. The family will host a reception at the Nalley-Pickle and Welch center The Branch on Saturday, December 8th 2018 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made to www.npwelch.com.,
