Dr. Paul Leroy Morris, 98, of Interlochen, MI, went to be with our Lord at his
home on Green Lake early Friday morning December 8, 2023 He was
born 5/25/25 in Homeville, PA to Albert and Nellie Morris. He had three
brothers (Ray, Sam and Albie) and a sister (Peg Ferson).
Paul married his "much better half" (as he always professed) Nancy L.
(McCall) Morris in 1950 after meeting at Muskingum College. Paul
continued his valued education with a Masters and PhD at The Ohio State
University after serving as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy during WWII. His
career began in Columbus, OH as a Choral Music teacher progressing into
school administration and later serving as Executive Director and VP of
Development at his Alma Mater, Muskingum College (where he later
received the Distinguished Alumni Award). He finished his professional life
as Vice President of Development at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Dad's talents and interests were extensive. We shared many family times,
especially with memorable camping vacations - one that stands out is the
28 day adventure to the west coast costing a mere $1000 with all 8 family
members loaded into a new 1971 Chevy Van. He was an avid Ohio State
and sports fan, cherished his golf with family and friends and was a world
traveler. His musical endeavors included professional theater, directing
choral groups, church choirs and especially the Rotary Chorus/Show for 20
years. Singing and playing his cornet were life-long joys. Our lives were
always full of music (there was a song for everything!) He also developed
his own basement woodworking shop creating heirloom pieces, small to
large, precious to all his family.
Even with his family and career obligations, he found time to give of himself
to many organizations. He was a founding member of the TEECO
Investment Club, board member for the Boy Scouts of America, the New
Concord Board of Trade and the Traverse City YMCA. With Nancy, he
was Co-President and founder of the Southeastern Ohio Symphony
Orchestra. He served as a Church Session member and choir director, as
well as Rotarian club officer. The Rotary Charities and Interlochen Library
fund-raising projects were close to his heart.
He was admired for his strength and faith. Paul was a great influence,
inspiration and role-model for family, colleagues and all those who had the
privilege of knowing him.
Paul was predeceased by wife Nancy, son Brian as well as his parents and
siblings. He is survived by daughter Jeanne Egan (Mike), son, Lee (Kathy),
daughter Susan Tarczon (Phil), daughter Ruth Haye (Paul), daughter Janet
and daughter-in-law Tracy Morris as well as grandchildren, Matthew, Keith,
Jessica (Jonathan), Rachel (Andrew), Paul, Kevin (Jenna), Scott (Sarah),
Ben, Mark, Jennifer (Ryan) and Tim (Tara) and great grandchildren Jonah,
Piper, August, Isaac and Elise. Family was everything!
Services will be held on Thursday December 14, 2023 at the Presbyterian
Church, 701 Westminster Road, Traverse City, MI. Visiting Hour will be at
1:00:pm with Memorial Service beginning at 2:00pm.
A very heart-felt thank you to the compassionate care from the Munson
Dialysis Center (an exceptional team!) and to the Promedica Heartland
Hospice of NW MI.
In lieu of flowers consider a memorial charitable contribution.
Muskingum University - Morris Family Scholarship
163 Stormont St., New Concord, OH 43762
www.Muskingum.edu/giving
Interlochen Center for the Arts - 4000 J. Maddy Hwy, PO Box 199,
Interlochen MI 49643
www.philenthropic@interlochen.org " title="Click to open in a new window or tab" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> www.philenthropic@interlochen.org
Interlochen Public Library - 9411 10th St., Interlochen, MI 43643
www.interlochenpubliclibrary.org