Archie Leon Morris

Archie Leon Morris, 84, of Searcy, Arkansas passed away with his family by his side on Sunday January 3, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. He was born November 4, 1931 in Judsonia, Arkansas to Burnice A. Morris and Rosie B. (Edwards) Morris. Leon joined the United States Air Force in 1950 and married Barbara Joyce (Lowery) Morris on September 17, 1951. Leon was immensely proud of his Air Force service after a successful 22 year career. Leon was awarded many medals and honors, was deployed to Korea, Vietnam, Greenland, Okinawa, and given several stateside assignments. He was a member of the special Redhorse Civil Engineering Unit. He retired from the USAF on August 31, 1972 with the rank of Master Sergeant. During the time of his military service, Leon and Joyce had three children. Randal Eugene Morris was born in Amarillo, Texas on September 18, 1953 Jerry Lee Morris was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 27, 1956 Jennifer Lee Ann (Morris) Burrow was born in Anchorage, Alaska on December 31, 1970. Leon and Joyce settled in Searcy after retirement. Leon was active in his church, Salem Missionary Baptist, where he served as deacon, teacher, and member of the men's group. He was particularly active in the church's mission work at Two Grey Hills in New Mexico. Leon also enjoyed gardening, collecting coins, fishing, genealogy, and collecting military memorabilia. He took great pride in his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Leon is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Joyce (Lowery) Morris, three children, Randy Morris (wife Lisa) of Joplin Missouri, Jerry Morris (wife Martha) of Searcy, and Lee Ann Burrow (husband Todd) of Beebe, Arkansas. He is also survived by a sister Odaline Morris Hays of Judsonia, and a brother, Edward Morris (wife Lois) of Searcy. He is preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Juanita Morris Hodges of Searcy, and several other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and his father and mother-in-law, Albert and Leo Lowery of Judsonia. Leon spoke proudly of each of his 11 grandchildren: Sarah and Walt Greenslade of Kansas City, Missouri, Nathan and Cathy Morris of Joplin, Missouri, Samuel Morris of Bozeman, Montana, Elisabeth and Joel Gilquist of Jacksonville, Florida, Lance Morris of Searcy, Casey Morris of Ward, Alex Burrow of Beebe, Arkansas, Emma Burrow of Beebe, Arkansas. He also felt incredibly blessed to have five great-grandchildren: Nora Greenslade, William Greenslade, Isabelle Morris, Mylia Morris, McKenzy Morris. Leon was adored by his wife and children. He was admired by his grandchildren, and he had many friends throughout life. He was an authentic, kind, selfless, and giving person. Leon was an excellent example of perseverance, patience, and Godly character. He is a special husband, dad, daddy, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. Arrangements have been made through Roller Daniel Funeral Home. Service will be at the funeral home on January 7, 2015 at 2 p.m. with interment at White County Memorial Gardens following the service. Visitation will be an hour before the funeral service at the funeral home. Flowers are appreciated, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salem Missionary Baptist Church Missions--Two Grey Hills. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.