Paul T. "Foxy" Morris, 72

DOVER - Paul T. "Foxy" Morris of Dover passed away peacefully Saturday, May 12, 2007, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital with his loving wife and daughter by his side. He was 72.

Mr. Morris was born in Baltimore.

He grew up in Jarrettsville, Md., then, returned to Baltimore to complete his education, graduating from the University of Baltimore with a degree in business administration.

Mr. Morris served in the U.S. Army in Germany, where his "15 minutes of fame" included playing poker with Elvis Presley.

He returned to Baltimore and went to work for various financial institutions before being transferred to Dover. In 1967, he joined Delaware Trust Co. as manager of the Downtown Dover Branch. In addition, he held positions of vice president of Lending and market director of Indirect Lending in Kent and Sussex counties before his retirement in 1992. After two years of golfing, he partnered with Robert Dashiell and opened A+ Floor Store in Dover. In 1999, he opened the Riverside Hotel and Restaurant in Greensboro, Md., which he had faithfully restored to its Victorian elegance.

He leaves behind many friends and associates who knew him for his wit, dry humor and business acumen.

Mr. Morris was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, the American Legion, Del Vets, the Elks and Dover Rotary Club. He was a member of Maple Dale Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing and was a regular in the card room. He served in numerous civic endeavors including Downtown Merchants Association, Scholarship Committee for Delaware State College (now University) and the Air Force Association. He was one of the founders of the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base. He was an active member of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce. He served on the board of Thriftway Supermarkets for more than 20 years. He was also a member of the MD Gin players, a game which dates back to before Gov. Charles Terry, who was an avid player. He was very much a private person; while he supported many community organizations and private people, he refused to be recognized for his efforts.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth (Dvorak) Morris; a dear daughter, Julia Moore; and two grandchildren to whom he was the proud "Bepa," Ridgely Allison Moore and Daniel James Moore, the lights of his life.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today in Torbert Funeral Chapel, Lebanon Road (Del. 10), Dover.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Christ Episcopal Church, State and Water streets, Dover.

Burial will be in the churchyard.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Christ Episcopal Church, Dover; or to Saint Anne"s Episcopal School, Middletown.