After a life of love and quiet grace, Donald Leonard Morris of Columbia, SC has passed.
Here is a glimpse of the life he lived, in his family's own remembrance.
Donald spent his working life as ['Electronic Engineer at the Baptist Hospital for thirteen and a half years'] and held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Some find their compass in faith. Donald was among them.
Donald Leonard Morris, 91, died on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Born on December 16, 1934, in Augusta, Georgia, he was the son of Julian Leonard Morris and Annie Liza Lucas Burchett. He was a graduate of Eau Claire High School and a member of North Trenholm Baptist Church. He was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his Pick n Grinning friends learning to play the guitar and banjo. He will be truly missed. Donald proudly served in the United States Armed Forces. He served 6 years in the Naval Reserves and retired after 21 years of dedicated service as a CWO3 with the 313th ASA Bn 82d Abn Div FORSCOM FC, Fort Bragg, NC. Following his military career, he worked as an Electronic Engineer at the Baptist Hospital for thirteen and a half years. Donald would also volunteer time each week holding a short worship service at NHC on Parklane Rd in Columbia, SC. He is survived by his children, Karin Watson (Mark) of Lexington and Shelby Morris (Frances) of Elgin; grandchildren, David Watson (Katelyn) of Lexington, Madison Armstrong (Jarrett) of Elgin, and Ethan Morris of Elgin; great-grandchildren, Blakley Watson, Charlie Watson, Andi Watson and Lucy Armstrong. He is preceded in death by his parents, Julian Leonard Morris and Annie Liza Lucas Burchett; wife, Wilma Rowell Morris; and sister, Joyce Keaton. The funeral service will be held at 12:30 o'clock on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext. Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 11:30 o'clock until 12:30 o'clock. Burial will follow the service at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road Columbia, SC. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.
