Melvin “Ray” Morris, 101, Marion, passed away at 4:31 a.m. at Visiting Nurse and Hospice in Fort Wayne on Sunday, February 25, 2018. He was born in Randolph County, Indiana, to the late Ervin and Sylvia M. (Mullins) Morris. On December 12, 1920, Melvin married Onita Miller, and she preceded him in death in May of 2011.
Ray was a graduate of Gas City High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country during World War II. Following his military service, he became the owner/operator of both Texaco (across from General Motors) in Marion and Morris Auto. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Gas City and Brookhaven Wesleyan Church.
Ray had a passion for flying and even owned his own plane. He previously drove race cars and had done restoration work on them as well. He helped start the Ducktail Run in Gas City and retired a few years ago.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen Louise (Morris) Dalton, Marion; daughter-in-law, Georgia Charlene Morris, Marion; sister-in-law, Nellie Morris; grandchildren, Lorinda Morris, Michigan, Jeffrey (Karen) Buckner, Columbus, Toni (Stephen) Bills, Indianapolis, Jeremy (Heather) Buckner, Chandler, Arizona; 10 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren; and niece, Theresa Morris.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Helen I. Campbell; brothers, John E. Morris and Robert Morris; and his son, Loran Morris.
The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Melvin’s funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN. Pastor Robert VanCise will be officiating with burial following at Grant Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Brookhaven Wesleyan Church Food Pantry, 2960 E. 38th St., Marion, IN 46953.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.