Aubrey Morris' Obituary
Lt. Colonel Aubrey Morris, a retired United States Air Force pilot, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Fannie Morris of Memphis, his sister, Doris Juanita Morris Smith, and two brothers, James Eugene Morris Sr. and Donald Theodore Morris Sr. Lt. Col. Morris is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mrs. Arnetta Morris of Cordova, TN. In addition, he is survived by three daughters, five grandchildren, and his brother, Mr. Daniel Morris of Memphis, TN. He is also survived by an extensive family of more than 60 nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and he was a great-great uncle. Aubrey Morris was born in Texas in 1933. His family moved often before settling in Memphis. He graduated from Central High School and continued on to Memphis State College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. After college, Lt. Col. Morris became an Officer in the USAF. His early career included flying B47s and C141s and serving in Vietnam. He retired in 1984 after 30 years of service. Aubrey and Arnetta were married in 1954. The Morrises started their journey in Memphis, but military life gave them the opportunity to live in many states including Florida, California, and New York. They enjoyed traveling together with their three daughters. Lt. Col. Morris made sure his wife and daughters got to see the beauty and splendor of every state they called home. The Morrises initially retired to California. In the year 2000, they decided to return to their home town of Memphis. One of their daughters resides in Germantown, TN, while the other two live in Modesto, CA. Their five grandchildren are located in five different cities throughout the U.S.A. Lt. Col. Morris was a devoted husband and father. He always made sure that his family was cared for and loved. His sense of humor was one of his many outstanding characteristics, and he was admired for his wealth of knowledge and extreme intellect. He completed the New York Times crossword puzzle every Sunday using an ink pen. His family appreciated his sense of integrity and strength of character. He was an excellent role model for his children and grandchildren. He will certainly be remembered for his beautiful smile and musical talents. Piano was a Morris family tradition that he eagerly pursued as a child. During the 1950s, while working his way through college, he played piano in a local Memphis band called The Stompers with Eddie Bond and Reggie Young. He played the piano every day of his life, which encouraged his children and grandchildren to appreciate music of all genres. While he made his career soaring above the clouds, Lt. Col. Morris made his family and friends happy as he tickled the ivories on solid ground. It was a good run. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. and followed by funeral services at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 1st at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery located at 5668 Poplar Ave in Memphis. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to contribute, please consider a memorial donation to The American Heart Association.
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