Jack Harrel Morrison

A graduate of Byrd High School in Shreveport LA, Jack became a US Marine, going on several Mediterranean tours. He took part in the first UN Humanitarian evacuation of Lebanon in the late 1950’s. In 1997, he retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a CWO-4 from VMA 124 in Millington, TN. Jack earned his first flying certificates with the GI bill and began crop dusting in the Midwest and Canada.

After becoming a flight instructor in Evansville, IN Jack was employed by Windsor Plastics and remained there for over 22 years as their Chief Pilot. During this time, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology from the University of Evansville. Jack piloted passenger rides for the Marine Corps “Penny a Pound” yearly fund raiser and instructed several classes of Air Force ROTC pilot training candidates.

After learning of his Scottish heritage,”Smilin Jack” competed in Highland Games held around the US, winning trophies in Sheaf Toss and Caber Toss events for Clan Morrison. He later served as President of the Clan Morrison Society in the US. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood and served as its Clerk of Session for Dr. Robert Covington and Rev. Jim Davis.

He was hired by Continental Express Airlines in Houston, TX where he worked until his retirement. He enjoyed being a pilot instructor, and then headed several departments before becoming a company check pilot. He became the first FAA Designated Examiner on the EMB 145 aircraft over age 65.

When Jack resumed membership with the Masonic Lodge, he progressed up through the ranks to the office of Worshipful Master in Humble Lodge #979. He served as its Chaplain until his death and also the Chaplain for the Humble Chapter #415 of the Eastern Star. He was also a past President of the Lake Houston Shrine Club.

Jack always enjoyed flying, bicycling, golf, Bible study, visiting with friends and family, and travel, especially treasuring a trip to Israel about 10 years ago. He also loved reading and watching Westerns. He was a regular weekly volunteer at Kingwood Medical Center West Entrance for many years.

Jack is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Gayle Elaine Morrison, and sons Jack Jr, Robert, and Michael; daughters, Anita, Tina, and Anne; grandchildren Jacob, Adam, Andrew, Benjamin, Gina, Bobbie and Jennifer,; seventeen great grandchildren; sisters Lillian and Nancy and brother Billy Ray; and many more nieces and nephews .In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Galveston or the USO, two of Jack’s favorite charities.