Robert A. "Bob" Morris, age 80, died Wednesday, Sept. 13, at South Baldwin Medical Center with family by his bedside.
He died from injuries and complications sustained in an Aug. 18 automobile collision when a distracted driver ran a traffic light in Foley, Alabama. His family grieves the unexpected loss of this tremendous man who was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.
Bob was born June 19, 1937, in Butler, Pennsylvania, the youngest son of Ross C. and Margaret Decker Morris. Bob grew up in Butler, graduating from Butler High School in 1954.
Known for his quick smile, keen mind and love of sports, he went on to study metallurgical engineering at Grove City College, receiving his degree in 1959. As a member of the Epsilon Pi (EP) fraternity, he lived out their motto, "Brothers working for the good of all."
It was a fellow EP who introduced Bob to the love of his life, Sondra Scott, at a fraternity event. Bob marked the occasion by telling his fraternity brothers with a wink, "That's the girl I'm going to marry." He and Sondra were wed at Grove City College's Harbison Chapel Nov. 5, 1960.
Bob enjoyed a distinguished career in metallurgical engineering, working his way from foundry man to executive. He began at Midland Ross in Sharon, Pennsylvania. When Midland Ross was purchased, he served for over 25 years with National Castings (NACO). His career also included time with Service Foundry and Avondale Shipyards.
A true foundry man to the core, he never missed the opportunity to be close by when a furnace was being fired or steel castings were being poured, always problem-solving and improving processes. To his wife's dismay, he took great pride in the fact that every suit he owned had earned at least one tiny spark hole. To him, it wasn't a hole; it was a testimony to the dedication and sweat equity he and his fellow foundry men invested every day.
Always eager to explore new opportunities, Bob and Sondra traveled extensively and lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Alabama, Louisiana and Illinois. Bob even spent three years serving as a plant manager in Mexico before suffering a stroke and retiring to "sweet home Alabama" in 2001. This was when his family really saw him shine, overcoming a challenging rehabilitation process and thriving in his later years.
Bob's faith, positivity and never-give-up approach to life are among the greatest gifts he gave his children. Those qualities live on in them.
A devoted father of three, Bob was happiest when the family gathered together. This was especially true after the passing of Sondra, his bride of 55 years, in February of 2016. Bob leaves a rich, lasting legacy of commitment to family.
His wife, parents and his brother, Charles "Chick" Morris, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Bob) McCuiston of Foley, Alabama and Kristen (Bob) Bowen of New Egypt, New Jersey; his son, Robert S. (Kristin) Morris of Canton, Georgia; along with five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
A private, family gathering honoring Bob was held at Perdido Pass, Alabama on Sunday, Sept. 17, and a private, graveside gathering will be held in Grove City, Pennsylvania this fall.
The family wishes to thank all who prayed for and cared for Bob after the automobile accident. Those kindnesses have been deeply appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages tax-deductible donations to a cause close to Bob's heart: The Epsilon Pi Dwight Guthrie Scholarship Fund. Proceeds provide academic scholarships to qualified students at Grove City College. Please make checks payable to Grove City College with "EPAA Dwight Guthrie Scholarship Fund" in the memo line. The mailing address is Grove City College, 100 Campus Dr., Grove City, PA 16127. Please include a note indicating the donation is in memory of Robert A. Morris. Those who prefer to give by phone may contact the college at 866-386-3422.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 2551 S. McKenzie St., Foley, AL 36535, 251-943-2391, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
