Elliott Theodore “Ted” Morris of Richmond, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on April 11, 2016. He was born on June 18, 1927.
With World War II in its final year, Ted quit high school at the age of 17 and begged his mother to sign him over to the Marine Corps. He successfully completed boot camp at Parris Island and was sent to the Mariana Islands and then to China where he protected American interests during the Chinese Civil War and witnessed the surrender of the Japanese Army. During action in the Korean War, Ted received a meritorious commission, departing the enlisted ranks to become a “Mustang” officer. As a new 2nd Lieutenant, he became a tank platoon leader.
In 1952, Ted gave it a try as a civilian, entering Hofstra College on the GI Bill where he became the first commander of the college military fraternal organization, the Pershing Rifles. Eventually, he missed the discipline and order of military life and reentered active duty as a Captain in the Connecticut Army National Guard in 1958. He successfully completed flight school, achieving both a fixed wing and rotor rating. He rose through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel and commander of an airfield. After retirement, he returned to Hofstra and graduated with a B.A. degree.
He participated in many active hobbies including sailing and flying. He remained an avid aviator, piloting aircraft until the age of 80. At various times, he was a member of the Stony Brook, Mathews, and Ware River yacht clubs. He enjoyed writing and reading humorous poetry and limericks as a member of the POETS.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, H.D. and Alice B. Morris, and a son, Scott T. Morris.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Purdy Morris; his children, Jacqueline M. Haberle and her husband Joseph, Kenneth R. Morris and his wife Karen, MacKay M. Boyer and her husband Eric; Scott’s wife, Debra M. Jewell; seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Interment at Abingdon Episcopal Church in Gloucester County will be private. Please join us for a celebration of Ted’s life on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the home of MacKay and Eric Boyer, 1403 Wilmington Ave., Richmond.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted’s memory to: Hofstra Army ROTC, 275 Physical Education Center, 230 Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. 11549. Make checks payable to: Hofstra Army ROTC.