October 8, 2020 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Tom was born in Sylva NC on
July 9, 1935 to the late John Hanley and Ruth Allison Morris. In addition to his
parents he was preceded in death by his first wife of 30 years, Jackelyn Mae
Kelly Morris and sister, Mary Morris.
Dr. Morris was a graduate of Sylva Webster High School, Western Carolina
University and University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill.
While in high school he was a member of the 1952 Smokey Mountain
Conference championship football team, whose continued friendship he valued
through the years. Tom was active in the Boy Scouts, earned the rank of Eagle
Scout and attended the first Scout Jamboree post WWII in Valley Forge, PA. In
his adult life he continued to be involved with scouts and Camp Daniel Boone, a
camp for scouts, in Canton, NC.
Dr. Morris was an active member of the North Carolina Dental Association,
serving in various committees on the state and local levels. One of his many
contributions to dentistry was his involvement in having fluoride added to the
municipal water supply in Asheville.
Tom also enjoyed hand-crafting hardwood furniture in his free time. For more
than 35 years, he created over 100 unique pieces for family and friends, using
old-world techniques with little reliance on power tools.
Tom was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville
Those left to cherish his memory are: his wife of 29 years, Marcia M. Morris;
sons Thomas A. Morris, Jr. and John A. Morris; brother Jack Morris (Linda);
stepsons John A. Sharpstene III, Jeffery Sharpstene, James Sharpstene, Paul
Sharpstene and Michael Sharpstene; and 10 loving grandchildren.
Due to covid-19 restrictions at this time, a service for family only will be at
Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home, with Deacon Scott Gilfillan officiating.
A memorial service will be held at later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Daniel Boone, Daniel Boone
Council, Patrol of 1000, 333 West Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
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