Colonel Hollis L. Morris, Sr., Ret., 79, of Fairfax, VA, died peacefully at Walter Reed Army Hospital on Thursday, March 12, 2020 surrounded by loving family members.
Colonel Morris was born June 13, 1940 in Powhatan, Virginia, as the only child to Hollis B. Morris and Leah (Bell) Morris. His early education began at the Logansville rural school and culminated with graduation from Pocahontas High School in 1958, and Virginia State University (VSU) in 1962, with a degree in mathematics. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in telecommunications from New York Institute of Technology, followed by a master’s degree equivalent from AT&T Corporation. His military education credits include graduation from the Army Command & General Staff College, Defense Systems Management College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
In 1963, Colonel Morris was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. A member of the Army ROTC Hall of Fame at VSU, he served the nation for twenty-seven years with deployments to three continents to include Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He was deployed twice to Vietnam during the war where he served with bravery and distinction. He was a decorated veteran with military awards including, but not limited to, the following: Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal (OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.
Colonel Morris’ post-military career included appointment as a Project Manager for Automated Research Systems, Ltd, where he contributed to various engineering projects and the U.S. Marine Corps Test and Evaluation Telecommunications System. Later, he moved to Advanced Communications Systems, Inc., a large publicly traded corporation, where he rose to the position of Vice President.
An accomplished golfer, his playing experiences included: Augusta National, Pinehurst #2 in North Carolina, Pebble Beach in California, St. Andrews and Carnoustie in Scotland, and the Robert Trent Jones Trail in Alabama. He was also a longtime member of the Army Navy Country Club in Virginia and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Hollis and Leah Morris. He is survived by a daughter Yvette M. Jones (Lawrence); a son Hollis L. Morris, Jr.; and two grandchildren – Madison L. Jones and Havin Morris.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at 3 PM, at Ft. Meyer Old Post Chapel, 204 Lee Ave., Ft. Meyer, VA 22211. Interment with military honors will immediately follow at Arlington National Cemetery.
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