Donald Adrian Morris

January 22, 1934 ~ July 27, 2020
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Mills River, NC
Donald Adrian Morris, 86, of Mills River, died Monday, July 27, 2020 at Care Partners Hospice, Asheville.
Born in Asheville in a log cabin on Sweeten Creek Rd., he was the husband of Jo-Ellen (May) Morris of Mills River, and the son of the late Adrian and Virginia (Lanning) Morris. He was also preceded in death by two sons, James Donald Morris and Charles Adrian Morris, and a sister, Doris Jean Segers.
A US Army veteran, he was also a member of French Broad Baptist Church, Hendersonville.
Donald retired from Ford Motor Company as an electrician, after 32 years of employment.
He was an avid hiker, so much so that his hiking club presented him with a “Hikers Extraordinaire” trophy. He loved to entertain people with his attempts at singing, trumpeting, and dancing.
In addition to his wife of 39 years, he is survived by two sons: David Morris and Albert Gordon; a daughter, Jane Owen; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Judy Ann Fabrycki.
The graveside service will be private; however, Donald will lie in state from 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, where friends are invited to view the casket and sign the guest register. Masks are required at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society online at www.donate3.cancer.org.
Services
For those who wish to pay their respects: July 29, 2020 1:00 pm - June 22, 2025 5:30 pm
Room: Dogwood
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
For those who wish to pay their respects: July 30, 2020 8:00 am - June 22, 2025 5:30 pm
Room: Dogwood
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
For those who wish to pay their respects: July 31, 2020 8:00 am - June 22, 2025 9:00 am
Room: Dogwood
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Ron and Kelli Allison
Our condolences to Jo-Ellen and the family.
Nancy and Roby Burg
We were so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. It was a shock to us. We just wanted you to know that we are
remembering you in our prayers and we have some great memories of Don when we were all little kids. He
was a lovable person that always kept us in to something! We also know that he is so much better off than
us because he is in a place that has no tears and no worries. Again to Don’s family we are so sorry.
We will miss this amazing man who brought joy into our lives as we hiked the trails with him. He was a true treasure of knowledge about the flora and fauna of our beautiful mountains! Our deepest sympathy to Jo-Ellen and the family.
Tui and I were sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We met Don on the hiking trail with the High Country Hikers and we enjoyed his stories and especially his knowledge of the area. We met Jo-Ellen during annual hiking dinners. Our sincere condolences to Jo-Ellen and to his family.
Only a few know what you meant to me. I feel that I was cheated on a lifetime of memories with you. Thank you for the kindness you showed my parents. Rest easy. You will be missed.
Jo Ellen and family,
Curt and I send our love to each of you. Don was kind, loving, and lifted our spirits every time we were around him. Thank you for sharing your family with ours. May God comfort you always.
Love,
Curt, Debbie, Kyle & Charles Moore
My cousin Donald holds a place in childhood memories. We saw less of each other in adulthood. I know you lived joyfully and shared that joy with so many. I wonder if you’re exploring the heavenly realms or resting in peace.
Jo Ellen and all of Don’s family, my thoughts and love are with you.