Thomas Lee Morris, Sr. was born in Mabank, Texas on September 14, 1937. He passed on October 21, 2023, at age 86, in The Woodlands, Texas. Thomas was the second son of Helen Aline and Joe Leo Morris. Friends and loved ones knew him as Tom, Thomassina, or T.L.er.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Harriett Carroll Sims Morris, his children Katherine Boeckman, Melinda Larkin, Thomas (Butch) Morris, Jr. and his chocolate lab, Coco. Tom has nine grandchildren whose ages range from 13 to 42. He also has five great grandchildren—ages 1-5. Tom had an older brother, Thorwald, who died in infancy, and he is survived by his younger brother James Harry Morris.

Tom's children thought of him as a Renaissance man as he could fix anything and could be quite inventive when a gizmo was needed. His creative intellect also carried over to the kitchen where he was known by friends and family to be a fantastic chef. He was a man of many talents, for sure, but he excelled most in loving his family.

Career-wise, Tom started out in the pipeline industry. Later, he sold insurance and real estate. Ultimately, he landed in the construction aggregates mining industry. In the late '70s Tom and his dad established Morris Sand and Gravel. This was a family venture that depended on the efforts of Tom, Harriett, Leo, Melinda, and Thomas Jr. Tom later partnered with Campbell Concrete and Materials and the company became Aggresource Ltd. This successful venture benefitted from Tom's leadership until his retirement in 2008.

Tom was an avid sportsman and an athlete. He made headlines when he played football for San Jacinto High School and Wharton Junior College. Years later, when he didn't have a football in his hand, he could be found on the Willow Creek golf course. When the course was closed, you could find Tom in the card room playing poker and gin with his friends. Tom's favorite passions were hunting, fishing, and gardening, which he did up until late. Recently, he dabbled with guitar and thought about taking up the piano.

Tom's happy place was his house on Caney Creek, in Sargent, Texas. This is where he kept his boat and gardened. Many memorable family gatherings and fishing trips were held at the creek with his kids and grandkids. It is here that he spent most of his time after retirement. When not needed at home, Tom would head down to tend to his garden, visit with friends, fish, and work on his boat with his best buddy, his brother Harry.

Tom did not want the fuss of a funeral service. In December, family members will come together at the creek house to reflect on and celebrate his life. Our family hopes the next time you catch a fish, make a hole in one, or pick a juicy tomato, you think of Tom fondly.