Misc. Notes
Jerry Oscar Morris was born July 27, 1935 in Marion County. He passed away on Sunday morning October 12, 2014 at age 79.
After his childhood in the community of Improve, Mr. Morris attended college and graduated with science degrees from the
University of Southern Mississippi, as well as the
University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fl.
His early adult years were spent as a math and science teacher, and basketball coach at Improve and West Marion Schools. The majority of his working years were spent caring for cancer patients as a
medical physicist.
He began this career in 1968 at the University of MS Medical Center as the
first medical physicist in the state of MS. Other places of employment include St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas; Forrest General Hospital Cancer Center in Hattiesburg, MS; and the University of South Alabama Cancer Center in Mobile, AL. He also served as a consultant in radiological health issues for many hospitals and businesses in Mississippi during his career.
In addition to his physics career, Mr. Morris enjoyed active membership at Temple Baptist Church over a span of 22 years. During this time he served in several capacities, which included church deacon, Bible teacher, and member of various committees.
Mr. Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Schuyler and Eva Morris.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Martha Cook Morris; sons Dr. Jeffrey A. Morris and wife Karen Redd Morris of Madison, and D. Mitchell Morris and wife Monica Morris of Brandon; and daughter Stephanie Morris Stewart and husband Dr. Billy Stewart of Decatur, MS.
Nine grandchildren were the special joy of his heart: Stephen, Will, Lizzie, and Emily Stewart; Meredith, Leslie, and Gretchen Morris; and Mattie Grace and Mitchell Morris. Also surviving are three brothers; Paul and wife Jim, Sam and wife Amy, and Tony Morris, all of Columbia.