Thomas Austin “Coach” Morris, 82, a resident of Lauderdale County, passed away July 19, 2013, at E.C.M. Hospital. He was a member of Underwood Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher and deacon for many years. He loved his church and the fellowship with the members. He was a retired teacher and coach of Lauderdale County with 31 years of service at Cloverdale Junior High School. He was recognized by the Alabama High School Athletic Association for over 500 wins in basketball. Coach Morris also served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a loving husband for 59 years, devoted father and grandfather. He was an avid sports lover, never met a stranger and he loved his God and people.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 20, 2013, from 6-8 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Sunday, July 21, 2013, at 3 p.m. in Greenview Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Donnie McDaniel, the Rev. Josh Lancaster and the Rev. Thomas Morris officiating. Burial will follow in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens with military funeral honors.
Coach Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Annie Mae Morris; brothers, Robert, Claude and Richard Morris.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Taylor Morris, of Florence; son, Thomas Morris (Ginny), of Louisville, Ky.; daughter, Donna Morris Dickinson (Mike), of Pell City, Ala.; grandchildren, Sarah Morris Duguid (Matt), of Colorado Springs, Colo., Stephen, Mary, Sharon, Micah and Josiah Morris, all of Louisville, Ky., Michael Paul Dickinson, of Pell City, Ala.; great-grandchild, Ginna Duguid, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brother, Gilbert B. Morris Jr., of Chattanooga, Tenn.; two sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews.
Active pallbearers will be Stephen Morris, Michael Paul Dickinson, Micah Morris, Josiah Morris, Johnny Adams and Larry Thompson.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of Tom Morris’ Sunday School Class, members of ROMEO’S (Retired Old Men Eat Out) of Jack’s round table.
An online guest book may be viewed and signed at greenviewmemorial.com.
Arrangements by Greenview Funeral Home.
