Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Hugh Harlow “Fritz” Morris

07/31/2020

Hugh Harlow “Fritz” Morris, age 84, Telford, passed away Friday, July 31, 2020 at Lakebridge Healthcare Center.
Mr. Morris was born in Ames, Iowa, son of the late Louis and Bernice Morris. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Darlene Beach and Louise Mattingly and a brother, Jack Morris.
Fritz proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard including an assignment in Greece aboard a Voice of America ship.
He was educated at Drake University and the University of Southern Mississippi.
Mr. Morris was a retired middle school teacher and coach.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Morris; sons and daughters-in-laws, Shon and Jennifer Morris, and Michael and Giannine Morris; grandchildren, Angeline Morris and Thomas Morris.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM, Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life for Fritz will be held at 3:00 PM with Minister Byron Paddock and Minister Leon Dutka officiating.
Inurnment will follow the service at Highland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Highland Church of Christ Building Fund, 485 Highland Church Road, Johnson City, TN 37615.


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EULOGIES & CONDOLENCES
08/14/2020
Sam Kain
So sorry to hear about Mr. Morris. He demanded the best from everyone and was the best teacher and coach I had.
08/10/2020
Jim & Chris Bloch
Shon, Jen and Family - please accept our heartfelt concern for you/your family in the passing of your father. Shon, you and I have spoken so many times about your father, I feel as if I know him - what I know for sure is the huge, positive impact he had on you and others. Let his lessons live on in tribute to him. Love you - Jim & Chris
08/08/2020
Lester Kavan
Marlene and I express our condolences to Phillis and family. We share many happy memories of when our families were young at birthday parties, adventure land and visiting. I first met Fritz on the Island of Rhodes on the USCGC Courier in 1957. The ship was used to broadcast to VOA. We returned to the States and Fritz picked me up and we drove to Hattiesburg, Mississippi thinking that we were good enough to play basketball for Southern Mississippi College, now USM. Fritz was a much better player than I and he continued to work with the team. We will always have very happy memories of the Morris family.
08/05/2020
Jurine Borton Moore
To the family of Hugh ’Friz‘ Morris, Milford Twp Class of 1954, our deepest heartfelt condolences to his lovely wife, Phyllis and outstanding sons and families, Shon (Jennifer) Morris and Michael (Giannine) Morris & 2 grands, Angeline Morris and Thomas Morris: Fritz always was so involved and played a leading roll in everything in our small rural school just east of Ames, IA. Fritz lettered in both basketball and baseball in HS and was also a 4 yr cheerleader for the Milford girls. In college he was sited as the top recreational student major at the U of Southern Mississippi. In his profession as a middle school teacher & coach he was honored by Prairie City for lifetime achievement. Fritz served in the U.S. Coast Guard including an assignment in Greece aboard a Voice of America ship. Fritz and Phyllis obviously were outstanding parents. Shon, an ESPN & Big Ten basketball annalist & commentator discribes each player with amazing enthusiasm and color. He is the BEST at what he does, as is Michael as an Ex with Bush beans- we all help keep him in business, right! Both boys were SE Polk standouts and HOF’ers. May the flitter of a candle always remind you of his whole hearted wholesomeness and the great memories and blessings you’ve shared. Fritz, RIP til we all meet again. God’s Peace be with each of you and our prayers and love will continue to comfort you at this difficult time of closure. Respectfully, Jurine Borton’56 Moore, Co Author with Dale Hughes/55 of the book, Milford Twp And Proud of IT! Available free " google ‘Story Co Gen/web’ or just ask for ‘Milford Twp’ on you I phone. (show candle)
08/05/2020
Neil Norwood
I am so sorry for the Morris Family loss. As I sit and think of the impact to the life of anyone, I think Fritz was one of few that would be top of list of mine on making me the person I’m today. The time he took with me as a teacher and friend will never be fore gotten. I offer my condolences to the Morris family which has lost a great husband,father,grandfather.
08/05/2020
Lisa Byington
My parents are teachers and coaches, and so I have an added appreciation for people like “Fritz”. I just feel like they have the ability to make an immediate impact on people, and it’s obvious he did. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I’ve worked with his son, Shon, who is one of the best people in every possible way. For those like Shon, the rest of his family and friends whom Fritz left behind, that is his legacy. The value of doing things the right way, working hard, and treating people with a selfless soul. Rest easy, Fritz. Your work here will live on.
08/05/2020
Janet (Green) Townley
Mr Morris was a great teacher from my PC middle school years. I wrote to him while I was deployed earlier this year. Hadn’t seen or spoken to him for at least 25 years. Last time I saw him in person was at one of the department stores in Des Moines-I was shopping for men’s shirts for Christmas. We chatted for awhile to catch up. I decided to catch up again in a letter in April shortly before redeployment. I gave him my home address. Shortly after returning home I was surprised with a card filled with words telling me what was going on in his world and complimenting me on my many years of service. He never mentioned once that he was ill and only apologized for his crowded handwriting on the card. It had filled the card full of information just like he tried to fill our minds in school. It was a wonderful surprise from one of my favorite teachers. Rest peacefully Fritz-I know you will be missed.
08/04/2020
Jim Wilkie
Sorry for your loss. Fritz was one of the best teachers at Prairie City. I always enjoyed having him as a teacher and talking with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
08/04/2020
Rick Pizzo
While I never had the honor of meeting “Fritz,” I know firsthand that he and his wife Phyllis went above and beyond in their role as parents. I know this because I’m lucky enough to consider myself good friends with their son Shon, who is as fine a human being as anyone I’ve ever known. I send my thoughts, prayers and condolences to the entire Morris family. May Fritz Rest In Peace while watching his favorite team defend the basketball as John Wooden intended.
08/04/2020
CLARION & DORADENE(BRODIE)THOMPSON MILFORD SCHOOL CLASSMATES CLASS OF 1954.
DID NOT KNOW FRITZ AS A TEACHER BUT AS A FUN LOVING SCHOOL FRIEND, A SCHOOL BUS ENTERTAINER , BACK CLIMBING, BASKETBALL PLAYER, ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERLEADER AND IN 4 CLASS PLAYS. I AM SURE HE MADE A GREAT TEACHER A HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU WITH A UNDERSTANDING HEART.
08/04/2020
Ruth Paulsen
All of you have my deepest sympathy in your great loss. Fritz was a classmate of mine at Milford, and I have many fond memories of those years together. He was a cheerleader for our girls' team and then he would play a great game of basketball himself after our game. Shon, you have been an outstanding announcer for the Big Ten. Our family went to Purdue and so we watched you many times. We will miss you, I told many of my friends that your dad was a classmate of mine. Jurine called me Monday eve. My prayers are with all of you now and in the days ahead. Ruth Paulsen
08/04/2020
Paul Onks
I had the priviledge to know and work with Fritiz after he and Phyllis moved here after their retirement. He was one of a kind gentleman and gardener. He was a tremendous help to me for many years especially going to the area farmers markets with our plants. More importantly he walked and talked his christian faith to everyone. My prayers go to Phyllis and his family . Rest in peace my dear friend.
08/04/2020
The Collins-Ward family, Chicago
May you find comfort in these outpourings of love for Mr.Morris. Our sincere condolences for your profound loss. We’re thinking of your family during this sad time.
08/04/2020
Diane Muehlenthaler
So sorry for your loss. I loved working with Fritz at the catalog desk at JCPenney’s. He made the place a fun day to be at work. He will be missed by us all. Our prayers go to the Morris family and friends.
08/04/2020
Joe and Connie Umble
So sorry to hear of Mr. Morris’s death. We have so many great memories of him as our teacher and our son’s teacher. May God give you comfort and peace in these days ahead.
08/04/2020
Jeff & Merri DeReus
Fritz was a great history teacher and coach. Basketball Practice started at 6:30 am. He taught the fundamentals of basketball by having us tape wood blocks in the palm of our hands to learn to catch the ball with your finger tips. We would wear old safety glasses with athletic tape on the bottom half of the lenses to make you dribble the ball without looking down. Football practice there was a lot running to keep in shape. A lot of great memories at Prairie City. Home of the Plainsman! I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Shon, we watch you one the Big Ten network!
08/04/2020
Rhonda Van Wyk Berry
So very sorry for your loss! I have fond memories of Fritz as my teacher as well as the time we attended the same church!
08/04/2020
Chris Hevlin Cushatt
You were a great teacher!! You will be missed by many!! Thank you for all you done. I was a member of the Class of 1982 Prairie City Plainsman
08/04/2020
Chris Hevlin Cushatt
You were a great teacher!! There is a lot of Prairie City Plainsmen that will miss you greatly!! I was a member of the class of 1982. Rest In Peace
08/03/2020
Sharon Doolittle
So sorry for your loss! He was such a wonderful teacher to my children. We have several Fritz stories that come up in our family conversations. He will be remembered for a long time.
08/03/2020
Anna (Oliver) Evans
Wonderful teacher friend and an inspiration to all! Truly made a huge difference in my youth. So sorry! Class of 77 PCH
08/03/2020
Deb Jones PCHS '75
What a kind and gentle man! Definitely a favorite of mine. We used to make his bulletin boards. It's funny that everyone calls him Fritz...the only time I remember him being cross was the ONE time we called him that. Miss seeing his friendly face at Adventureland too. RIP
08/03/2020
Mary Elrod
So sorry for your loss. Fritz is remembered by so many in our community as a beloved teacher and friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
08/03/2020
Diana Mashburn
I’m so sorry to hear about Fritz I remember all the “hours” l spent talking to you both when I was supposed to be working. Loved having you both as customers. My prayers are with you and the family. Diana (mail lady) mashburn
08/03/2020
Cynthia Kane
Mr. Morris was my Junior High history teacher in the late 60's in Prairie City. And despite the fact that he made us memorize all 99 counties, their county seat and where they were located on the map of Iowa, he was my favorite teacher. Rest in peace, Mr. Morris.
08/03/2020
Judy Waddle
So sorry to hear of your loss. Fritz was a co-worker and good friend.

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