Neely Harold Morris

Neely was loving, kind and generous to the people he cared about, especially his family. He had a great personality and was generally a homebody. He often shared his serious and intellectual moments with his parents and siblings. Neely enjoyed Turner Classic Movies and a show called Ridiculousness.

He was baptized as a child at the Scotts Methodist Church in Denver, Colorado.

Neely knew the Lord and was faithful. He attended Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco, California.

He received his formal education in the Denver Public School system. While attending high school, Neely joined the concert choir and participated in the “all school show” dancing and singing. His favorite academic class was ancient history. Neely graduated from East High School in 1961, and he furthered his education by attending Colorado University and subsequently transferred to the College of Emporia in Emporia, Kansas where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.

Between high school and college, Neely was hired by May D & F, now Macy’s as a sells associate and buyer. He enjoyed shopping for himself and others. It was there that he adopted a real sense of elegance and style as he was always immaculately dressed. During his college years, Neely belonged to a social club called the Argonauts. Several parties were held at the family home where Neely was considered the life of the party having purchased the latest music and practiced his dance steps beforehand. He also loved cards and often played bid whist with friends and college associates.

By profession, Neely was employed by the Traveler’s Insurance Company in Denver as a Claims Adjuster. He found his duties to be challenging, intriguing and rewarding having met people from many walks of life. He was very happy when transferred to Los Angeles, California and ultimately to his favorite city of San Francisco where he worked until retirement. During his retirement years, he worked at a law office and a bakery.

He had an affinity for art evidenced by his drawings, paintings, and remarkable handwriting skill. He loved to cook and prepared the most tantalizing, tasty dishes with a modern flare. The family often referred to him as “the galloping gourmet”., His residence was as pristine as his clothing for it was immaculate and tastefully decorated. He liked all genres of music including R & B and soul. Neely’s favorite travel and vacation memories were his trips to New York City and Mexico. While living in San Francisco, he joined a gym working out at least three times a week. His buff body gave way to a nickname “splendid splinter”, given to him by his close friend, James Buckley. He was most proud when he was selected as an extra in a movie named “Bad Company” where he met Jeff Bridges.

Neely departed this life on Sunday, January 28, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory include his brother, Stanley U. Morris (Ernestine), his sister, Lee O. Morris, and a host of other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Madison and Elizabeth Morris, and his sister, Madelyn Morris.

A public visitation and viewing will take place from 10am until 11am, Saturday, February 24, 2024 at People's Presbyterian Church, 2780 York St., Denver, CO 80205. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 AM, also at the People's Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will be at 1pm at Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229.

Please visit olingerhighland.com to share memories and condolences with the family.