Pettus Thomas "Tom" Morris Jr.

Surviving are his companion of 37 years, Carol Burling, his three sons John D. Morris (Cindy), Stephen M. Morris (Joy) both of Peoria, and Thomas Kenneth “T.K.” Morris (Natasha) of Zionsville, Indiana, six grandchildren, Jordan Morris (Adria) of Nashville and Taylor Morris of Peoria, Robert “Bobby” Morris of Peoria, and Cal, Hannah, and Isaiah Morris of Zionsville, as well as the many members of Carol’s family whom he considered like his own. He is also survived by two younger sisters, Susan Thompson and Libby Wharton (Mike), of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and nephews Jeff Thompson, Brian Thompson, and Ben Wharton. Preceding him in death were his beloved mother Susie Geoghegan Morris, father Pettus Thomas Morris, Sr. of Martinsville, Virginia, and his former wife and mother of his three sons, Helen Cox Ferguson.

He will be remembered for his overt friendliness to strangers, a Virginia accent that never faded, his quirky and impressive knowledge of geography, wildlife, and sports, and by his passion for sharing his Christian faith.

Born December 16, 1939 in Martinsville, Virginia, he graduated from the University of Richmond in 1962.

After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, served as an infantry unit commander and on a General’s staff.

He achieved the rank of captain upon moving from active duty to the reserves.

In 1964, he moved to Illinois and lived here for the rest of his life. He took a job representing the Midwest territory with his uncle’s furniture business and was given the option to pick anywhere to live in his new territory. He chose Peoria because the beautiful bluffs and river valley reminded him of his home state.

A lengthy career in pharmaceutical sales followed. He joined the Jaycees. He was an avid fan of Bradley basketball and Illini football. He became the president of the local Toastmasters chapter.

He was actively involved at First Presbyterian Church, which later became United Presbyterian. He was also a leader in local chapters of CBMC.

He took great pride in helping his sons, whether helping them carry newspapers on their routes or winning candy sales competitions for school. He spent a lifetime learning about exotic places, living vicariously through others, often talking to strangers and learning their life stories which he would then retell in heroic terms.

Memorials may be made to the Peoria Riverfront Museum or his church.

A visitation for Pettus will be held Sunday, July 7, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at United Presbyterian Church of Peoria, 2400 W Northmoor Rd, Peoria, Illinois 61614. A funeral service will occur Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 3:00 PM, 2400 W Northmoor Rd, Peoria, Illinois 61614. A burial will occur at Swan Lake Memory Gardens, 4601 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61615.