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Ronald Beville Morris was born in Manatee County, Florida, on Terra Ceia Island on August 8, 1934, to parents Joe Walter Morris and Juanita Claire Beville Morris. He died on August 3, 2022, at age 87 in Tallahassee, Florida. Ron is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann Godbold Morris, and their children, Matthew Beville Morris, Malinda Claire Morris Day (Jonathan), and Annalee Godbold Morris; grandchildren Ridge Morris, Harper Day, and (preceded in death by) grandson Owen Day; brothers, Jimmie and Jerry Morris; sister, Joy Mark; cousins, nieces, nephews, and other dear relatives. The eldest of four children, Ron spent his childhood on Terra Ceia Island and his youth in Alma, Georgia. Responsible and service-oriented, Ron joined the United States Army after high school. His military service was spent in intelligence. In 1954 he was the in the First Platoon of Enlisted Intelligence at Fort Meade as a cryptologist. He had fond memories of his time spent in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Like many of his generation, he found an unwavering purpose and a quiet comfort in service to his country. Ron attended Florida State University on the GI Bill and graduated with a degree in Business in 1960. It was at the FSU library where he met Mary Ann Godbold, his beloved wife and fellow student. They married in Miccosukee, Florida after graduation and made their first home in Orlando. Ron worked for Southern Bell as the Director of ISTS, including time spent at Bell Labs in Holmdel. During his 35 years with Ma Bell, he was both well-respected and valued as a consensus builder among his colleagues in Birmingham, Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta. He valued his time with Bellsouth and was quietly proud of the work he did with the National Security Agency. His children all suspected he was disappointed that they were all bad at math and keeping secrets. True to his character, he loved them anyway. After retirement, Ron and his family moved to his wife’s hometown of Miccosukee, Florida. He was known for his love of fishing and gardening, especially citrus trees, sunflowers, zinnias, and vegetables. He loved his small town and became a recognized and well-loved member of the community. His greatest joy was sharing what he had with others. Miccosukee Methodist Church held a special place in his heart, and he served there faithfully as a member, teacher, and Lay Leader. Among his favorite ministries was Monday Lunch, where he never met a stranger and never turned down a story. Ron gave the devotion and prayer for several years, impacting many in the Miccosukee community. A man of prayer, Ron faithfully prayed for others daily; his heart for the Lord was a witness to all who knew him. As a member of Gideons International, Ron shared his love of God with everyone, passing out Bibles during visits to his beloved FSU’s campus and the North Florida Fair. Many will remember Ron’s stories and the joy he had in telling them. He loved barbecue on July 4th, fishing on Lake Miccosukee, and family trips to St. George Island. He was a loving husband, father, and Papa, forever interested in everyone’s activities and observations. Ron was united with his Heavenly Savior with a full heart and a knowledge that he spent his time on earth doing what he truly loved the most- helping others. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15 Should you wish to make a gift in Ron’s memory or in lieu of flowers, please consider: CURE Childhood Cancer (200 Ashford Center North, Ste. 250 Atlanta, GA 30338), Porch de Salomon Ministry (PO Box 1059 Tallahassee, FL 32302), or Gideons International (PO Box 1245 Tallahassee, FL 32302) A memorial service will be held at Miccosukee United Methodist Church (8841 Veterans Memorial Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32309) on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com)

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Ronald Beville Morris

August 8, 1934 - August 3, 2022