Earl Kelton Morris Sr.'s Obituary
Earl Kelton Morris, Sr. passed away on December 20, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 86.
He was born January 1, 1938, to Lois and Earl C. Morris at the home of his paternal grandparents Julia Hartfield Morris and Winston Arthur (Wince) Morris, in the Improve Community of Marion County, Mississippi. The first few years of his life, he lived in New Orleans before his family relocated to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, at the start of World War II. He attended Hattiesburg High and Mississippi Southern College, now known as the University of Southern Mississippi.
Kelton was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and was named Outstanding Pledge during his first year. He held several leadership positions within Kappa Sigma, such as Pledge Secretary, Social Chairman, and Rush Chairman, before becoming Grand Master (President) his senior year. Separate from fraternity life, he also was a Mississippi Southern Cheerleader, Treasurer of Scabbard and Blade (a college military honor society), a member of the Student Government Social Committee, a member of the Yellow Jackets, a selection of Who’s Who in America’s Colleges and Universities and served in the R.O.T.C his senior year.
Upon graduation in 1960, Kelton moved to Memphis to start a career in banking at First National Bank (renamed First Tennessee Bank and now known as First Horizon). During his first few months at First Tennessee, a co-worker introduced him to Barbara Faye Farrell, who would become the love of his life. After a few months of dating, he was called into service at Fort Benjamin in Indianapolis, where he served as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Finance Division.
In 1961, Kelton was assigned to the Trust Division, where he worked at the bank for the rest of his career. He worked initially in the Personal Trust area. He especially enjoyed the experience of working as a Trust Officer for families who were beneficiaries of Trusts being handled by the bank. Eventually, he was promoted to Senior Vice President in charge of the Personal Trust Department. Then, he was named Executive Vice President of the Trust Division, which also included responsibility for the Investment Management, Employee Benefits, and Corporate Trust (Bond Trusteeships) Departments. He continued in this capacity for twenty-four years until he retired in May 1998.
While at the bank, he had the privilege of working with several organizations. He served as President of the Tennessee Bankers Trust Division, President of the Memphis Estate Planning Council, Chairman of Deacons at First Baptist Church, Board Member for the Memphis Zoo, and a member of the Memphis Rotary Club. After retirement, he served as Treasurer and Board Member of Trezevant Manor and as Treasurer and Board Member of The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation. He also enjoyed belonging to the English-Speaking Union and the Decorative Arts Trust with Brooks Museum.
Kelton enjoyed life. He had a keen interest in travel, history, and automobiles. A fantastic group of lifelong friends surrounded him. His faith was essential to him, and he worshipped at First Baptist Church in Memphis. Later in life, he joined the Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis.
Kelton was just plain fun. You could always find him on the dance floor; he had a quick wit and an infectious laugh. Most importantly, Kelton was kind, humble, and gentle in spirit. He truly put the needs of others before his own, as evidenced by his dedication to caring for his wife during the past five years. He was a loving husband and father and a dedicated grandfather who was so proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments.
Kelton is survived by his wife, Barbara F. Morris, and children Kelton (Leigh) Morris, Jr. and Courtney (Hailey) Williamson; his four grandchildren, Aubrey Morris, Lauren Morris, Hale Williamson, and Kelton Williamson; his sister-in-law, Pam Morris; his niece and beloved cousins and family members. Thank you to the Opus, St. Francis Hospital, and the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House teams for their attention and care to Kelton and his family during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Memphis Zoo or to the Alzheimer’s Association of West Tennessee, as he would want to honor his wife.
A Service for Kelton will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11:00am in the Riverside Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home with visitation to follow afterwards from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Burial will be held privately.
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