Robert Morris was born July 17, 1952, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Bobby J. and Anne (Todoroff) Morris. He attended Lawton High School, and soon after graduation, married the love of his life, Mary L. (Rita) Morris. Robert then joined the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. After serving his country, Rob and Mary returned to Lawton, where he went on to finish his bachelor’s degree at Cameron University. Rob was then employed with Halliburton in the research and development department, where he earned five patents. He later worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Lawton, OK, and was eventually transferred to the Gadsden, Alabama plant, where he served in various maintenance management positions.
Rob was an intelligent and driven man. Those who knew him best knew him as deeply affectionate toward the people he loved, quick to show it, and steady in his devotion to his family. That same drive carried him through fourteen years of fighting cancer with a quiet, determined strength.
Rob and Mary have three sons: Bryan (Shi) of Franklin, Tennessee; Jordan (Meagan) of Gadsden, Alabama; and Christopher, who died as an infant. Robert’s nine grandchildren were his greatest joy, and after retirement he spent much of his time with them.
Throughout his life, he loved raising bird dogs, turkey hunting, fishing, and sports, including weightlifting and racquetball. Rob could often be found working in his yard, cutting his neighbors’ grass and tending to his vegetable garden.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Anne Morris; his son, Christopher Michael; and his sister, Rhoda Marie. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Morris; sons Bryan (Shi) of Franklin, TN, and Jordan (Meagan) of Gadsden; sisters Nancy (Phillip) McNair of Edmond, OK, Cheryl (Mitch) Shankles of Lawton, OK, Kathy (Jay Steward) of Luther, OK, and Carol (Paul) Brazle of Brussels, Belgium; nine grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Robert’s battle with cancer ended on August 12, 2026. Throughout his illness he suffered greatly but suffered well, surrounded by friends and family, as he went to be with the Lord. The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to all of Rob and Mary’s closest friends along with their pastors, life group, and friends at Meadowbrook Baptist Church, who have supported them through this difficult time. A special thank you goes to the ICU nurses and Dr. Bailey at Riverview Regional Medical Center.
Visitation will be held at Meadowbrook Church, 2525 Rainbow Dr, Gadsden, AL 35901, US, on August 17, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at Meadowbrook Church from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
A Committal Service will take place at Rainbow Memorial Gardens LLC, 1440 W Grand Ave, Gadsden, AL 35904, US, on August 17, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
