Joseph Douglas "Doug" Morris, Sr

Joseph Douglas "Doug" Morris, Sr. , age 72, peacefully entered into the arms of Jesus on October 11th, 2019.  

Doug was raised in the heart of his community of Lula, Georgia by Lealon and Maude Morris who were local business owners.  His parents delighted in their son and instilled in him their values of love and service.

Doug is survived by his wife, Martha Evelyn Tarrer Morris; his daughter and son-in-law, Tara Leigh Morris Barrett and Matthew Barrett; his son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Douglas Morris, Jr. and Lei "Linda" Pan Morris; granddaughter Amelia Jo Barrett; cherished cousin Margaret Rushing Luther; and foster-son Logan Brett Gonzalez.

Everyone who knew Doug, knew that he loved his wife, Martha.  After a short engagement, they spent 48 years of marriage building their family, whether that meant their own two biological children or those children they mentored, coached and fostered throughout the years.  Throughout his life, Doug loved the outdoors, especially fishing.  It didn't take much encouragement to get him to the water, including his last fishing trip with Logan in late August 2019.

Love and service were synoymous to Doug.  He faithfully served his church, his community and his country.  His highest priority was to serve his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Over the years, Doug served his church as a Sunday school teacher with the Lula United Methodist Church and later as Sunday school teacher and then associate pastor at Main Street Gospel Church up until his passing.  He served his community as a business owner, city councilman, and mayor.  He supported many local activities and events, including working with the Lula Area Betterment Association (LABA) as well as coaching and sponsoring youth sports teams.  Finally, Doug proudly served his country for 2 years as a member of the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

"You were the best father we could have ever asked for.  You always gave us love and never doubted things would turn out right for us in the end.  Even when life was hard, your optimism for the future never faltered.  We will miss you, Dad."  Love,  Joe and Tara.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Hillside Chapel Funeral Home in Gainesville, GA.

Rev. Buster Autry, Teena Smith, and Rev. Tim Ratterree will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Belton Cemetery on 7th Street in Lula, GA.

Military Honors will be provided by the Veteran's Alliance Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends at Hillside Chapel Funeral Home in Gainesville from 4 PM until 7 PM on Sunday, October 13 and again on Monday, October 14 from 4 PM until 7 PM. 

Online condolences may be made at www.hillsidechapelfuneralhome.com

Hillside Chapel Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1190 McEver Rd. Gainesville, GA is in charge of arrangements.