Thomas Arthur Morris Jr. passed peacefully from this earth on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at the Northpoint Health and Rehabilitation Facility in Meridian, Mississippi.
He is survived by his wife, Nadia Edgerton Morris; son, Tommy Morris (Dawn); daughters, Sara Garcia (Jim) and Karen Burgess (Jerry); step-sons, Mike Edgerton (Shazawee) and Richard Edgerton (Cornelia); as well as seven grandchildren, Caleb Morris (Camille) Rachel Morris, Mary Kathryn Blalock (Tut), Elizabeth Garcia, Carrol An Garcia, Drew Burgess (Zoe) and Ellis Burgess.
He is also survived by five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by Mary Clyde Morris, Thomas Arthur Morris Sr., Lila Ellis Morris and Mary Frances Morris Semingson.
Tom was born on Aug. 19, 1928, in Anniston. He graduated from Albert G. Parrish High School in 1946. He then went on to graduate from Auburn University in 1950, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. After returning to Selma, Tom was engaged in the hardwood lumber business full-time or part-time for 60 years beginning in 1950.
While in Selma, he was a member of Kappa Alpha Alumni Association, president of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, member of the Selma Rotary Club, president of the Lumber Trade Association, longtime member of First Baptist Church of Selma, where he was an original member of the Maverick SS Class.
After remarrying in 1985, Tom took permanent residence in Meridian, Mississippi, where he remained until his passing.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at Barham Funeral Home in Meridian with visitation prior at 10 a.m.
Graveside services only will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma with Lawrence Funeral Home directing. Pastor Mark Benson of First Christian Church of Meridian will preside over both services.