David Lee Morris

David Lee Morris, nicknamed “Jimmy” by his father when newborn, left this life on December 21, 2010. He was born to Mason H. and Elna W. Morris in Hampton, VA on May 10, 1923. Jimmy attended Elizabeth City County (Hampton) Schools and enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in World War II, serving in the South Atlantic. He was recalled for the Korean conflict and served Stateside. Jimmy was proud to be an employee of NACA, which later became NASA and he retired from Langley Research Center in 1980, after 37 years of combined government service. He fondly remembered the years he worked in Manned Space which originated at Langley. In his retirement years, he continued to remain busy, owning a craft and thrift shop, installing security alarms and pursuing his favorite pastimes, fishing and playing cards at Vanasse’s Bait & Tackle. In 1954, he was awarded the Carnegie Hero Medal for attempting to save the life of a fatally injured driver during a powerboat race on the Hampton River.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 61 years, Ruth B. Morris, a sister, Shirley Freeman, his four children and spouses, Dave Morris, (Debbie), Rick Morris (Patty), Debbie Bullard (Donald) and Roger Morris (Barbara), grandchildren Christine Bullard and David III, Lauren, Collin, Jake and Jordan Morris and Jerry Widener, along with his four nephews, nieces and their spouses. In his last years he loved to tell his children and grandchildren grand stories of growing up as an adventuresome boy in the Wythe, East Hampton and Buckroe neighborhoods of what is now Hampton.

A memorial celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, on Thursday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sentara Nursing and Rehab Center and Sentara Hospice Services for the excellent care he received. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Heart Association.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 23666.