I met Robert Eric Morris many years after his military service, and he rarely spoke about those days. He did say that he had served in both Korea and Vietnam, that he had trained snipers there and was responsible for organizing and maintaining supplies in Korea, which is not surprising since organization is so high in his skill set. He also shared about the less than welcoming reception he received on returning home to San Francisco from Vietnam with tomatoes and such being thrown - not surprising in the midst of the anti war climate at that time. With that being said, I cannot really describe his military days, but I can tell of the man I knew and was married to for thirty-two years.
Bob had been adopted at birth and been so loved by his adoptive parents that he truly felt sorry for those who were not as “privileged” as he. He loved having been especially chosen, “hand-picked,” so to speak, and so fully understood how special it was to be adopted into the Kingdom of God when he received Jesus as Savior and Lord in his 30’s. In fact, he was a man of such faith that the Lord likened him to the centurion described in the Gospels.
One of Bob’s most prominent characteristics, so obvious to everyone who knew him, was his heart to serve. In civilian life, he had managed paint stores and their managers for over twenty years. He then transitioned into being a painter himself with his own custom painting company in California. Having worked in the industry, he knew all about paint and was an excellent teacher, giving his employees and family members practical skills that would serve them and others throughout their lifetimes. He never had to advertize because his work spoke for itself through the people whose houses he “made beautiful.” He loved painting, and he loved work.
When we moved from California to North Wilkesboro in the summer of 2007, he, being “an aggressive risk taking introvert,” decided to try something new – staging homes for sale. He soon discovered, however, that such an endeavor works best in the city as opposed to the more rural areas. We struggled financially for several years until a neighbor of ours recommended Bob as a candidate for the position of maintenance overseer at First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro. It became a match made in Heaven for all concerned.
First of all, the position was not just about maintaining the physical needs of the church: it was first and foremost a ministry to serve both the parishioners and those in leadership. Bob loved that because he loved interacting with people and meeting their needs. He also loved putting things in order and making things beautiful. Over the nine years he held that position, he totally organized every nook and cranny of that huge complex, bringing order into storage rooms, finding things that had been lost or misplaced, and discarding that which was no longer necessary.
In the midst of the practical care of the buildings, he always made time to talk with the members, anticipate needs, make sure the work that needed to be done was done well, and go out of his way to see that the facility ran smoothly. He would pray and counsel as led by the Lord, and made many enduring friendships.
Since it was only a half-time position, he was also able to develop his own paint/handyman business and branch out into the community. Loving to serve widows and the elderly, he would often work at their homes and when asked what the charge was, would say with a grin, “Just make me some cookies!” In time, driving around with Bob in Wilkes County became similar to our Bay Area experience. Every where we’d go he’d say, “I painted that!”
Bob’s cancer diagnosis in early 2018 hit everyone hard. The disease started in his lungs as a non-smoker’s lung cancer, but by the time he went to the ER in excruciating pain, it had already metastasized to his brain, liver, adrenal glands, and bones. He immediately started radiation treatments and soon after qualified for an immunotherapy pill that was designed to inhibit the disease and promote quality of life. This protocol extended his life a year beyond the time he had initially been given, allowing him to put some affairs in order. Being a fighter, he was a trooper throughout the ordeal.
Toward the end he became concerned about not being able to fulfill his job requirements at church, but whatever fears he had were quelled when the Pastor said the job was his as long as he wanted it. He was loved and so appreciated for all the heart, soul, toil, sweat, and tears he had poured into his work and the people at FBC.
The inevitable day came on Saturday, June 1st, 2019 at 3pm in his home in North Wilkesboro. We had hoped he would last longer, but he lived to be seventy years old. With the number seven meaning perfection, my take is that he completed his journey on earth well and that the Lord had greater need of him “there” than here. But his legacy lives on in the lives he has touched and in the hearts who loved and were loved by him.
On the day of his memorial service, Bob finally received the military tribute that he deserved. And, because his cancer was linked to his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, I was awarded a death indemnity. That, coupled with his social security benefits, has enabled me to remain in our home. So even in death he has continued to be the great provider he was in life.
We honor and remember Robert Eric Morris and thank him for his dedicated service to his country, community, friends and family. His life set an example for many to follow, and we will never forget his cheerful countenance and selflessness in serving others.
His loving wife,
Helen Marie Morris