---

Augustus Morris

Augustus Morris

Jan. 7, 2013

Augustus Morris, 74, of Madisonville, went to be with our Lord on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at U.T. Medical Center with his devoted wife who refused to leave his bedside throughout a long hospital stay. In his final moments he looked at her and said, \"I love you,\" and slipped away.

The son of the late John and Mary E. Morris of Alabama, he was a decorated combat veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars as well as a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was of the Baptist faith and had made his peace with the Lord many years ago. A loving, loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, he always will be remembered for his humorous personality, his generous spirit and love for children and those in need. He never met a stranger and loved kidding around. Everyone he met always had kind and loving things to say about him.

To his immediate family he always remained a force of strength and encouragement and was never one to show weakness. However, the ones closest to him knew how sensitive his big, generous heart could be even when he tried to hide his pain or disappointment. He also took comfort that knowing when his passing came he would be with our Lord and reunited with his son, Johnny A. Morris, who passed away in August 2004.

Mr. Morris felt especially responsible for those that were his immediate family and was truly a fighter until the very end. He always said that his love for his wife, Thelma, was not \"until death do us part\" but a love that would last throughout eternity.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Thelma Christine Morris; two daughters and one son-in-law, Samantha Hatfield of Vonore, and Donna and Rodney Ray of Niota; grandchildren, Nicholas and Heather Hatfield, and Mollie Morris and Dillon Womac of Athens; one great-grandson, Tristan Jace Womac - lovingly known as \"Papa baby,\" Tristan truly was a gift sent from heaven; he brought great joy to the last six months of Mr. Morris\'s life and even at the last few weeks when barely able to speak would try to tell everyone about him; sisters-in-law, Faye Pearson and Ruby Hull, both of Madisonville; a devoted nephew, whom he loved like his own son, Russell Prater of Madisonville; and step-grandchildren, Jeraldine and Ryan Ray of Ten Mile, and Nikki and Warren Cooper of Georgia.

Due to their undying love and complete devotion for one another, it was their wish that he be cremated and upon her demise her ashes would be joined with his and then be buried beside their son, Johnny.

There will be no viewing or ceremony of Mr. Morris, even to the end he didn\'t want to \"take folks away from their work or families.\"

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children\'s Research Hospital in Memphis.

The family thanks everyone for their prayers and words of encouragement and asks that you continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

\"Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you.\" - I Peter 5:7

Biereley-Hale Funeral Home of Madisonville is in charge of arrangements.