Ronald J. Morris, Sr., died on April 26, 2026, at his home in Greensboro, NC. Ron was born in Greenville, TX, on July 2, 1937, to William A. Morris and Jewell Thompson Morris. His family moved to Shreveport, LA when he was young, and he would call it home for much of his life. He attended St. John’s (now Loyola Prep) before joining the US Marine Corps and fight in the Korean Conflict.
His time in the Marine Corps was a major turning point for him. He thrived in the structure and discipline of the Marines and would have made it his profession. However, one New Year’s Eve–on leave in Shreveport–his younger brother set him up on a blind date with Maxine Zern. Four months later, they were engaged, and by August he was married and in the Marine Corps Reserve.
Life moved quickly after that. A year later, they had their first child. And three years later they had three. Thirteen years later they had six.
Ron worked for many years at KCS Railroad–just as his father did. He retired early and found his calling as a deacon in the Catholic Church. He earned his certificate in Pastoral Counselling from Loyola University-New Orleans and worked at St. Joseph’s in Zwolle and at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in Shreveport. He was particularly proud of his work with inmates at local prisons in fellowship with other ministers.
When Maxine died, Ron’s life turned sideways. He sold or gave away most of his possessions. He traveled extensively across the country, hiked much of the Appalachian Trail and parts of the Pacific Trail, took up photography, and exclaimed the healing power of God’s grace as manifested in nature. He reveled in his children and grandchildren: ever playful and patient, ready for an adventure—however small.
But love was not done with him. Ron met Emmie Ikels in the Hill Country of Texas, and the two of them enjoyed twelve years together in New Braunfels. Ron became a Master Naturalist and applied his skills to local projects and to making her property a wildlife refuge. She encouraged his artistic side, and he began creating sculptures out of found objects.
In his almost 89 years, three things held true: he loved his family, he was passionate about his faith, and he took pride in his work ethic. Well, he also got a kick out of “riling people up” and loved a good prank. He was an excellent athlete (running, hiking and water skiing were particular favorites) and a hopeless romantic.
Ron was predeceased by his parents; both Maxine and Emmie; his younger brother, Douglas; and his grandson, Sean Minto. He is survived by his six children: Ronnie, Jr. (Allyson Richard) of Baton Rouge, LA; Mary (Dr. Marshall Cunningham) of Fairhope, AL; Marcia (Cliff Thomas) of Greensboro, NC; Russell (Kristen Hoyt) of Norwalk, CT; Rob (ConnerLeigh Bergeron) of Windermere, FL; and Maggie (Paul Oberle) of Shreveport, LA; fifteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren; his sister, Carolyn Cancilleri of Shreveport, and his brother, Whit Morris (Kathy) of Baton Rouge; and beloved nieces and nephews.
The family will have a private service.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation to Dismas, the Catholic Prison Ministry: https://dismasministry.org or another organization of your choosing.
Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel is honored to serve the Morris family.
Thank you to dignitymemorial.com for allowing us to use their obituary.
