Thomas Burton Morris, 79

DOVER - Thomas Burton Morris, of Dover, passed away in his home on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009. He was 79. He was born Jan. 1, 1930, in Dover, to the late Alfred N. Morris and Edith Sammons Morris. Thomas was the oldest son of 10 children. As a youth he attended Fork Branch School until eighth grade. Upon leaving school he worked on his parent's farm until the age of 18 when he began working for George & Lynch. Thomas joined the Army at age 20 and served for two years. Afterwards he returned home and continued to work at George & Lynch. He was a valued employee for 48 years retiring in 1996. At age 23 he met his future wife, Leona Ridgeway and on Feb. 14, 1955 they were wed. He was a life member of the Silverlake Fishing Club. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Leona Morris; their five children, Linda, Wayne, Helen, Phillip and Kevin; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Allen, Carlos, and George; and a sister, Gladys Burrell. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Sunday at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt. 10). Friends may call two hours prior. Burial will be in Fork Branch Cemetery. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook may be signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.