James Franklin Morris, 93, began his walk with his Lord and Savior on January 29, 2014.Born in Henderson on October 3, 1920, he was the son of the late Thomas Augustus Morris and Sarah Gupton Morris.James was a Veteran of the U. S. Army, serving his country with the same passion and dedication he devoted to civilian and church life.He was a proud member of Blessed Hope Baptist Church, where his Senior Adult Sunday School Class gave him much joy and inspiration to continue Gods work.From the front row of each Sundays worship service, faithfully attended, James felt Gods grace and empowerment to help many in need.Wherever he went, he made certain that those he met would not leave his presence until they had heard about Gods love for them. Friends will remember Jamess nickname as Te-Tie.He was shortstop and Captain of the Tri-County Baseball League and played semi-professional baseball for twenty-two years in North Carolina and Virginia.Turning down pro contracts to remain in his beloved home town, James found an additional passion in bird hunting and ended his quail hunting career with an impressive 4,348 birds, as revealed in his meticulous record of hunting trips. As a fireman for Burkart Bagging Mill, James was an unsung hero of the industry whose job was to keep the embers burning.Here James was fortunate enough to befriend and mentor a young man named Chico Escamilla, one of many treasured life-long friends. If you knew James Te-Tie Morris, you knew the pride and love he had every day for his grand-daughter, Ashlee.James would finish most conversations by saying his grand-daughter was soon to become a doctor. James spent countless hours with his brother in Christ, Preston Dunn, witnessing to those in need.James is looking at all of us now, smiling with tears of joy, washed in the glory.He would want to be assured that with his final message, his joy and love for Jesus Christ would reach at least one person and have them know Gods love and salvation. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 1, 2014, at 3 pm at Blessed Hope Baptist Church by Dr. Donald A. Perkinson. He is survived by his daughters, Susan Morris Rogers and Barbara Hight Ivey of Henderson, and Shelia Diane Morris of Richmond, VA; his grandchildren, Ashlee Perkinson of Greenville, NC, Kathy Ivey of Hickory, NC, Cheryl Sigmond of Richmond, VA, Chris Ivey, Mike Ivey and wife Crystal of Henderson and Greg Doane and wife Christine of Concord, VA.James is also survived by ten great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and by his dear friend and brother in Christ, Preston Dunn.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Forsythe Morris; four sisters, Vallie Duke, Susie Manning, Lucy Parrish, Helen Morris; one brother, Elmo Morris; and his son-in-law, Robert M. Ivey.The family will receive friends Friday night, January 31, 2014 from 7 until 8:30 pm at J. M. White Funeral Home.At other times they will be at the home of Susan Rogers at 66 Pine View Road. Serving as active pall bearers will be Chris Ivey, Mike Ivey, Greg Doane, Chico Escamilla, Jimmy Manning, Tommy Manning, Benny Manning, and Curt Pegram. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Hope Baptist Church, 1835 S. Clearview Dr. Henderson, NC 27536.
