Thomas Murray Morton

Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of my father, Thomas Murray Morton, on Friday, March 3, 2017. He had been in the hospital since December 20th and had just been transferred to rehab for physical therapy a little over a week ago. Sadly, he fell and broke his hip on February 27th and his condition rapidly declined. His family was with him in the Hospice House for his last days of life, where his pain was under control and he was at peace. Thomas served in WWII, the Korean and Vietnam wars and retired as a CMSgt in the U.S. Air Force after 28 years of service. Then, he worked as a Mail Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 10 years. After officially retiring, he and his wife enjoyed traveling around the country visiting family and the many Air Force friends they had known over the years. Thomas took his family to Glasgow, Scotland to see where he had grown up as a young boy, after moving with his mother from his birthplace in Detroit, MI, born February 19th, 1927. He was an only child, but thoroughly enjoyed being a part of his wife's larger family in Laurel, MS. Thomas was widowed in 2004, after 53 years of marriage to Voncille Chancellor Morton. He is survived by his daughter and only child, Megi Marsters-Garrison, son-in-law James "Mitch" Garrison who he loved like a son, granddaughter Molly Lyn Marsters who was blessed to have her grandparents close by and they played an active role in raising her, and his grandson Jamie Garrison II who is was so proud of especially when he participated in Civil Air Patrol as a teen and Jamie's wife Adrea Garrison. His very special friend and companion, Arlene Nelson of Lutz, FL, who always kept his appetite satisfied with her wonderful cooking. Two sister-in-laws Rebecca Cottingham and Sally Chancellor in Laurel, MS. Just one week prior to his passing, Dad's brother-in-law, Rothelle Chancellor, passed away in Laurel, MS. Dad and Rothelle were both 90 years old, Veterans of WWII, enjoyed talking football, watching Nascar ... as they had done many times in Daytona Beach back in the 1950's and '60s and most of all cherished their weekly telephone calls with each other over the last couple of years. Nieces/nephews and their families, including Lisa (Chancellor) and Thomas Bailey & Family, Lance and Danette Chancellor & Family, Greg and Phyllis Chancellor & Family, Mike and Teresa Chancellor & Family, Ronnie and Beverly Cottingham & Family and Rosi (Cottingham) & Johnny Worell. A Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 11th from 3:00-6:00pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 3207 W. Bearss Avenue, Tampa. Burial will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Please be in prayer for our family as we mourn and thank you for the many expressions of sympathy already received. We love you all, Megi and Mitch Garrison, Molly Marsters, Jamie and Adrea Garrison and Arlene Nelson