Fred Morrison Jr.

Fred Morrison Jr. passed away peacefully at Harris Hospice Presbyterian Main on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at the age of 100. Fred was born August 17, 1921 in Gastonia, NC to the late Fred Morrison and Kathryn Melton Morrison Peters. His parents divorced when Fred was about five years old. Grandmother Ollie Dean Morrison moved in to help raise Fred and his younger brothers, Robert and Jack. Their Dad married the late Viola Gibson who had a son Boyd Purdy. Their family moved to Charlotte and moved around alot. In one of the areas they lived, Fred joined up with other kids to play ball. They called themselves the "Knothill Gang". Fred went to Bethune School and Harding High School. While in High School, Fred went to work for Western Union where he continued to work after graduating from high school June 6, 1940. Fred's Uncle Freddy worked for Southern Bell and encouraged Fred to apply for a job. Fred went to work for Southern Bell on September 23, 1940 as an Installation/Repairman.

While in high school Fred met "his girl" Mildred Treadway. They were married on September 4, 1942 in York, SC. Fred and Mildred were blessed with 79 years of marriage. Mildred's Mom said it wouldn't last. Fred and Mildred moved into a small apt on 11th Street in Fourth Ward.

On September 30,1943, Fred went into the U.S.Army. He went to basic training at Camp Blanding, Florida. Fred left the United States and was shipped to Italy and assigned to the 3rd Division. On May 23, 1944, Fred was wounded during the Battle of Anzio. He was taken to a hospital in France for 30 days. Once released, Fred was sent to the replacement depot in Naples, Italy. He was assigned to the 34th Division and went to Southern France. Fred was wounded and went to the hospital in France. When released, he went to the replacement depot in southern France. Fred was assigned to the 5th Division and sent to London, England. He got assigned to Eisenhower Headquarters. Fred went to Southampton, England and worked on communications. Fred was awarded the "Purple Heart" twice before receiving an honorable discharge December 1945. Fred returned to the United States on the ship "Queen Mary" Cunard White Star which sailed from Southampton, England on December 9, 1945. Back in the United States Mildred was working. Mildred had no idea Fred was coming home. Hearing a knock, Mildred went to the door and there stood her Fred, the love of her life, back home safe. What a reunion !! The next morning Mildred and Fred...in his uniform...walked a few blocks to surprise Fred's Grandmother (Ma Morrison) and his Aunt. They were so thrilled and Ma Morrison was in tears and so happy her boy was back home safe. Fred was a proud WWII veteran. There will never be another generation like this generation.

Fred went back to work at Southern Bell as an installer. He was later promoted to Assistant Manager- Business PBX Installation. Fred was a hard worker and dedicated employee. Fred retired from BellSouth September 1, 1982 with 42 years of service.

Fred and Mildred had one daughter, Freida, born April 1953. Fred was a caring and loving father. He was Dad and Daddy with nicknames of Dad-0, Dude and Mr. Fred to Freida's friends that were very special to Fred. Fred was a devoted husband, easy going, patient, and kind. Fred loved his family and selflessly took care of them. If they were safe and happy, Fred was happy.

In the late 1950's Mildred had a tubal pregnancy. They were devastated. Mildred was critical but thankfully God watched over her and brought her back home to Fred and Freida.

Fred and Mildred loved the beach and mountains. They loved traveling to the mountains to see the fall leaves. They made many trips to the beach renting a cottage at Garden City Beach, SC. Later Fred and Mildred enjoyed staying at a motel at Ocean Drive Beach, SC. Fred said it had two good restaurants nearby for Mildred, a swimming pool for Freida and the fishing pier for him next to the motel.

Fred enjoyed being outside. He would often get his rope and make a swing for Freida and her friends and neighborhood kids to play on and swing over the creek at Shamrock Park or in his back yard. This made Fred happy seeing the kids having fun. Fred and Mildred enjoyed riding to Freedom Park in their pickup truck with Freida and great friend Susie riding in the back of the truck. Fred and Mildred would watch the softball games while Freida and Susie played in the park.

Fred and Mildred enjoyed going to the farm in Locust, sitting on the porch, eating a what-a-burger hot dog, and watching the birds and goats. They shared a special bond and still were holding hands after a lifetime together.

Fred liked to go out walking or riding his bike in the neighborhood. He would sometimes drive to uptown Charlotte, park his truck and walk around town just to see what was going on and the changes. One day he struck up conversation with the owner of West Parking and ask if they needed any help. He was hired. Fred's job was to handle seven parking lots, walk car to car and check and write information for any illegal parkers and leave envelopes for monthly parkers to pay their parking fee. He enjoyed being outside and the walking. Fred did this for about 15 years...often with Mildred going with him. She would always pack them some drinks and snacks.

Fred loved watching football, especially during Thanksgiving, with Freida's late boyfriend Tevis who passed away October 2017. Fred was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. He enjoyed watching westerns, Perry Mason, listening to country music on the jukebox in their basement or on the stereo in their living room.

When Mildred or Freida and others would express their love to Fred, sometimes he would say "I'll put it on your bill". The last communication that Fred had with anyone was with Freida on Saturday morning, June 4. Freida was holding his hand, fluffing that thick white hair Fred had, talking to Fred...her Dad-o...thanking him for being such a good Dad and taking such good care of his family. Freida told her Dad-o she loved him bunches always and forever. Fred said "I'll put it on your bill". His last words. A memory to treasure in the days to come.

Fred was preceded in death by Mildred his wife of 79 years who passed away January 31, 2022, brothers Robert Morrison and Jack Morrison, stepbrother Boyd Purdy, and brothers in law.

Fred is survived by his much loved daughter Freida Morrison, sisters in law Mickie Morrison, Melba Bryson, Frances Hilton and several nieces and nephews.

Many thanks to all the wonderful staff at NeuroScience-ICU and Harris Hospice Presbyterian Main for their care and compassion they have given Fred.

On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, visitation will take place at McEwen Funeral Service at 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC beginning at 12 PM. Funeral service will follow at 1 pm. Entombment will take place at Sharon Memorial Park Mausoleum. The service will be officiated by Pastor Fred Rose. Masks will be required at all services please.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Newell Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 68, Newell, NC 28126

McEwen Funeral Service Charlotte Chapel is serving the Morrison Family. Online condolences may be made at www.McEwenfs.com