Richard S. Morris

Obituary for Richard Sheppard Morris III September 5, 1929 – December 17, 2019 Richard Sheppard Morris III passed away peacefully at his home from natural causes on December 17, 2019.He was born September 5, 1929 in Charlotte, NC to Richard S. Morris Jr. and Elizabeth Biggerstaff Morris.Richard and his wife Doris Duke Morris (deceased) had four children: Richard Sheppard Morris, IV, (deceased), David (Patty) Morris, Robert (Ree) Morris, Linda (Zack) Crumpton, and daughter-in-law Arlene Morris.Surviving grandchildren are Kelly Morris, Kathryn Morris, Cooper Morris and Colby Morris.Surviving great-grandson, Parker Morris.Siblings Charles Samuel Morris (deceased), Mary Frances Newnham, and Joseph Lee (Jeanne) Morris. Richard was a loving husband and father.He and Doris celebrated seventy wonderful years of marriage on June 25, 2019.During Doris’s lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, Richard was highly dedicated to her care.He took her ice cream on a daily basis when she was staying in the Memory Care facility at Generations in Irmo. Richard was a member of the Baha’i Faith.He had a long, illustrious career with Southern Bell that spanned 33 years.He started as a lineman in March of 1956 and retired as a fourth level Operations Manager in May of 1989.His dedication to his work was incredible, as he never took a single sick day throughout the 33 years of service!Richard was an active member and leader of many organizations over the years, including: Rotary Club, Charleston, SC Richland Sertoma Club, Columbia, SC (President) Lexington Wildlife Club, Columbia, SC Telephone Pioneer Midlands Chapter, Columbia, SC (President) Volunteer, Telephone Pioneer Talking Book Repair Group, Columbia, SC Columbia Oyster Club (member for 40+ years) Columbia Telephone Retiree Luncheon Group, Columbia, SC As a boy, Richard was a member of Boy Scout Troups 7 & 37 and attained the highest level of Eagle Scout.He was known to be a “jack of all trades” and an expert at woodworking, electrical work, plumbing, and computers to name a few.Richard very rarely had to call someone for repairs since he could fix EVERYTHING himself.Although grammar and spelling were never strengths, he still did a masterful job authoring three books. His first book was written on the history of the Morris family.He enjoyed genealogy and even gave several talks for groups on how to do research on family history.The other two books were about the history of the Telephone Pioneer Talking Book Repair Club and the history of the Columbia Oyster Club. The family will greet friends at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Rd., Columbia, SC 29212 on Saturday, December 21st at 1:00 p.m. with the service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association act.alz.org 1-800-272-3900 “Oh God, guide me, protect me.Illumine the lamp of my heart, and make me a brilliant star.Thou art the mighty and powerful.”