Jack Martin Morris

Jack Martin Morris of Temple, Texas passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at a local hospital. He was born on March 24, 1932 to Thomas Bryant Morris and Anna May (Hennersdorf) Morris. Dad, Uncle Jack, Popsi was a lifelong Temple resident and proud Temple Wildcat. He graduated in 1949 from Temple High School and attended Temple Jr. College.

Jack married Ann Gray King on September 8, 1952 and they were blessed with four children: Jan, Cindi, Missy, and Tim. Ann passed away in 1986 after 33 years of marriage. He later married Georgia Liles McLendon and welcomed her children: Marianne, Sue, and Mike.

In October 1954, Jack became a career agent for Amicable Life Insurance Company and succeeded to top unit manager for the next 8 years before the sale of the company to American General Life. In 1986, Jack became an independent agent doing business as Morris Insurance and Financial Plans. During his career, he was an active member of the National Association of Financial Advisors, a lifetime and qualifying member of The Million Dollar Round Table, and the recipient of the Life Underwriters Training Council Fellow designation. To his delight, his daughter Missy Pursley became a partner in 2010, and the career he loved for over 70 years continues as Morris and Pursley Financial Plans.

Jack never missed an opportunity to give back to the city that was his home for life and the church he loved. For nearly 73 years, he attended First Methodist Church as a church member, a lay delegate to the Annual Conference, a member of the Board of Trustees and the Administrative Board Finance Committee, and the Men’s Prayer Group. He also cooked and served many meals for numerous church events. He loved cooking for a large group in the church, community, or club!

Jack was a member of the Texas National Guard and was called to duty for several weeks during the aftermath of the 1953 Waco tornado. For 71 years and currently, he has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1965, Jack was elected to serve on the Temple ISD School Board of Trustees and remained for 16 years. That was also the year he became a season ticket holder for Wildcat football. He joined Rotary Club in 1971 and was a 5 time Paul Harris Fellow. For 35 years Jack managed the Rotary Club’s annual spaghetti supper held during Wildcat football games.

Jack served on the Temple City Council from 1999 – 2002, the Biosciences Medical Board, the Senior Citizens Inc. Board of Directors for 21 years, and Hillcrest Cemetery Board from 2000 – 2020.

In addition to his career and civic activities, he loved to cook and spend time in his vegetable garden, sharing meals and vegetables with friends and family.

Jack was a kind and caring friend to many, a loving Uncle to his nieces and nephews, a proud and indulgent Popsi to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the best Dad and mentor ever to his four grateful children.

Jack is survived by his wife Georgia of Temple, children - Jan Johnson and husband Doug of Rogers, TX, Cindi Sunbury and husband Warren of Austin, TX, Missy Pursley and husband Terry of Brownwood, TX, and Tim Morris and wife Yvonne of Temple, TX., 7 grandchildren – Audra Baxter and husband John of Stephenville, TX, Michael Morris and wife Angie of Temple, TX., Jennifer Hale and husband Brad of Hutto, TX, Thomas Bounds and wife Laarni of Killeen, TX., Jackie Montalbo and husband Melo of Temple, TX., Anne Ryan and husband Travis of Camp LeJeune, NC., and Sean Sunbury of Austin, TX. He is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his step children Marianne Ramsey and husband David of Brady, TX., Sue Carter and husband Cliff of Azle, TX., and Mike McLendon and wife Cheryl of McGregor, TX., and 2 step grandchildren, Jon and Jim Ramsey.

Parents Thomas and May Morris, Brothers Tom, Earl, Bill, Bunkley, and Richard, and Sisters Mary Ann and Ginger preceded him in death.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Baylor Scott and White Hospice, Baylor Scott and White Continuing Care, Temple Rehab caregivers and therapists and especially all staff and caregivers at Garden Estates Assisted Living of Temple.

Visitation will take place Wednesday April 16, 2025 5pm to 7pm Scanio-Harper Funeral Home

A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 11:00am at First Methodist Church in Temple with the Rev. Scott Goodfellow officiating.

A private burial will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Temple.

Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, 102 N. 2nd Street, Temple, Texas 76501.