Howard Victor Morris, Sr

Mr. Howard Victor Morris, Sr., 91, of Mount Airy, passed away Wednesday morning, November 24, 2010, at his home. Mr. Morris was born August 14, 1919, in Surry County, son of the late Emanuel Victor and Jessie Suzanna Webb Morris. Mr. Morris was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a graduate of Franklin High School and served our country in the 90th Infantry Division in the Third Army under Patton during World War II. He received the Purple Heart, the Sharpshooter Badge, two bronze stars, and a Good Conduct Badge. Mr. Morris was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities through the years as a lay leader, deacon, chairman of the ushers, treasurer, and a member of various committees. He served as chairman of the Mount Airy City School Board and was retired as owner of Blue Ridge Supply Company in Mount Airy and Pulaski, VA. Mr. Morris was an active member of the North Carolina Wholesaler's Association and served a term as its president. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Maude Anna Willard Morris of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Louise and Chris Crusenberry of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Martha and Kent Morgan of Mount Airy; a son and daughter-in-law, Howard Victor Morris, Jr. and Tamoney Morris of Lawsonville; two granddaughters and their husbands, Nora C. and John Morton of Goldsboro and Anna C. and Dave Pisotti of Mohnton, PA; two great-granddaughters, Martha Morton and Mary Morton, both of Goldsboro; a great-grandson, Matthew Morton of Goldsboro; three stepgrandsons, Brandon Hall, Dylan Hall, and Bowen Ammons, all of Lawsonville; five sisters, Marguerite Brown, Catherine Brown, Ruth Blackburn, Dorothy Boyles, and Myrtle Morris, all of Mount Airy; two sisters-in-law, Juanita Bowman of Winston-Salem and Lettie Thomas of Mount Airy; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Morris was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Cora Ann Morris. The funeral service will be held Saturday, November 27, 2010, at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Roger B. Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 until 11:00 AM in the Fireside Room at First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 714 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030.