Augustus Morris

(Jan. 7, 2013)

Augustus Morris of Madisonville, went to be with our Lord on Monday, Jan. 7 at U.T. Medical Center with his devoted wife who refused to leave his bed side throughout a long hospital stay.  In his final moments he looked at her and said "I love you" and slipped away.  The son of the late John and Mary E. Morris of Alabama, he was a decorated combat veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars as well as a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was of the Baptist faith and had made his peace with the Lord many years ago. He was a loving loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. He always will be remembered for his humorous personality, his generous spirit and love for children and those in need. He never met a stranger and loved kidding around. Everyone he met always had kind and loving things to say about him. To his immediate family he always remained a force of strength and encouragement and was never one to show weakness. However, the ones closest to him knew how sensitive his big generous heart could be even when he tried to hide his pain or disappointment.   He also took comfort that knowing when his passing came he would be with our Lord and reunited with his son Johnny A. Morris who passed away in August, 2004. Mr. Morris felt especially responsible for those who were his immediately family and was truly a fighter until the very end. He always said that his love for his wife Thelma was not "until death do us part" but a love that would last throughout eternity. 

He was 74.

Survivors include: wife of 53 years-Thelma Christine Morris;

Daughters and son-in-law-Samantha Hatfield of Vonore; and Donna and Rodney Ray of Niota;

Grandchildren-Nicholas and Heather Hatfield, Mollie Morris and spouse, Dillon Womac of Athens;

Great-grandson-Tristan Jace Womac, lovingly known as "Papa baby." Tristan truly was a gift sent from heaven and he  brought great joy to the last six months of Mr. Morris's life and even at the last few weeks when barely able to speak would try to tell everyone about  him.

Sisters-in-law-Faye Pearson and Ruby Hull, both of Madisonville;

A devoted nephew (whom he loved like his own son)-Russell Prater of Madisonville;

Step-grandchildren-Jeraldine and Ryan Ray of Ten Mile; Nikki and Warren Cooper of Georgia.

Due to their undying love and complete devotion for one another, it was their wish that he be cremated and upon her demise her ashes would be joined with his and then be buried beside their son, Johnny. There will be no viewing or ceremony for Mr. Morris, who even to the end didn't want to "take folks away from their work or families." In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis in his memory.  The family thanks everyone for their prayers and words of encouragement and asks that you continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. "Cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you." I Peter 5:7.

Arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.