John H. Morris

John Hancock Morris, 81, a fifteen-year resident of Elkton, VA formerly of Oak Hill, WV died on Sunday, January 11, 2009 at the Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, VA. Born July 05, 1927 at Welch, WV he was the son of the late Walter and Maude Myrtle Hancock Morris. Mr. Morris was a retired teacher with 40 years service and former owner of Morris Greenhouse in Oak Hill. He was a US Navy veteran. A graduate of Welch High School he began is college education at the University of Kentucky. He earned an A.A. degree from Bluefield College, his B.S. from Concord and did post graduate work at Claremont College in California. Well loved by his students, he started his teaching career in McDowell County and then taught Psychology, Economics and Civics at Collins High School in Oak Hill until his retirement in 1987. A son, William Samuel Morris preceded him in death in 1975. The youngest of six children, John was also preceded by two brothers, Jim Morris and Walter Morris and two sisters, Valarie McCoy and Elizabeth Booker. The love of his life, Patricia Hamrick Morris, whom he married on December 5, 1952, survives. Also surviving are two sons, Richard "Rick" Morris and wife, Sue of Oak Hill and John "J.T." Morris and wife, Patricia Tarango of Tempe, AZ; one brother, Fred Morris of San Marcos, CA; five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a special friend, Randy Pedigo. Services will be on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 12:00 P.M. at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill. with Rev. Ben Gurley officiating. Burial will be at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill. Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV