Morris Sr., Richard E. "Gene"   
	
DIANA -- Services for Richard Eugene "Gene" Morris Sr., 82, of Ore City, will be 2 p.m. today, October 1, 2006, at Ore City United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. John Whitehurst and the Rev. James Knight officiating. Burial with Masonic graveside rite will be in Mims Chapel Cemetery in the Mims community. Mr. Morris passed away Friday, September 29, 2006, at his home. Gene was born September 10, 1924, in Smyrna, Texas, to Elige Wilson Morris and Etta Mae Knight Morris. He served in the U.S. Naval Air Force during World War II. He married Florine Wicker January 26, 1945, in Jefferson. In the early years, they made their homes in Jefferson and Mims. They lived in Brazoria from 1951 to 1954, where he was employed with Freeport Sulphur Co. He retired from Lone Star Steel with 31 years of service. He was fondly known to his co-workers as "Bluegill." Mr. Morris was a member of the Ore City Methodist Church, a member of the Men's Sunday school class and served on the board until his health failed. He was a staunch Democrat and supported his party. He loved gardening and his Dallas Cowboys. Mr. Morris also was a member of the Ore City AARP, a charter member of the Lions Club of Ore City, a Past Patron of the Ore City Eastern Star Chapter No. 1033 and a member of the Ore City Masonic Lodge No. 1364, where he served as Past Master. Survivors include his wife, Florine Morris; son and daughter-in-law, Dickie and Becky of Gilmer; daughters and son-in-law, Carma and Ray Stroman of Gilmer, and Brenda Jeter of Union Grove; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Ann Morris of Lufkin, Billy Joe Morris of Hughes Springs, Hassie Morris of Hallsville, Lorine Morris of Harleton, Leska Robinson of Jefferson, and Violet Wicker of Mims; grandchildren, Richie Morris, Patrick and wife, Haley Morris, Carrie Morris, Kaitlin Morris, Jessica Morris and Holly and husband, Cade Guidry; special great-grandchildren, Ashley Morris, Faith Morris, Dylan Guidry, Cody Guidry and his little shadow, Richard Morris IV; and a host of great-nephews, nieces, neighbors and friends. Mr. Morris was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Pete, Rex, A.J. and Frank; and sister, Geneva Langford. The family would like to thank a special nephew, Ray Robinson, for his love and care shown to Gene and Florine. Flowers are permitted and memorials may be made to Ore City First United Church Faith Center. Pallbearers will be the Ore City Masonic Lodge. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews, Wayne Wicker, Allen Boules, Glen Robinson, Lewis Robinson, Terry Wicker, Luther Wicker, Jeff Headrick, Danny Wicker, Dewayne Langford, Jeff Morris, Larry Morris, Mike Morris, Ricky Langford, Steve Morris. Scott Morris, Tim Morris, Juan Robinson, Ray Robinson and Jamie Robinson. Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. today before the service at the church.

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 10/1/2006.