Roland David Morris, 74, of Fairfield, died at 3:07pm on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.
David was born on November 10, 1947, in Mt. Vernon, IL, to Roland and Geneva (Kerr) Morris. On June 11, 1994, he married Jala Tyler.
David graduated from Fairfield Community High School, Class of 1965, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Industry and Technology from Northern Illinois University in 1970. He began his career as an industrial arts teacher in Alton, IL before becoming an engineer at Airtex Products, where he worked until his retirement in 2008. He then worked as a bookkeeper for Davis and Son Oil Company. Most recently, he worked for Fairfield School District 112 as a bus driver and had previously served as transportation director of the district. He was the current president of the Wayne County Historical Society, a member of the Crime Stoppers board, and had previously served on the district 112 school board.
David was a lifelong member of the Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, elder, morning worship guitarist, video and sound technician, leader of Crusaders children’s program, and helped with children’s musicals. He was also the inaugural director of Upward Basketball and Cheerleading, which is now celebrating its 20th anniversary in Fairfield. He served as director for 6 years, while also filling roles of coach and referee.
Survivors include his wife Jala Morris of Fairfield, three daughers Randi (Eric) Lundgren of Tallahassee, FL, Dr. Bethany (Andy) Cook of Flora, IL, and Rev. Brittany Meeks of Memphis, TN, one grandson Ryan Morris Lundgren, a brother Jesse (Kay) Morris of Louisiana, a sister Pam (Richard) Windland of Fairfield, a special cousin Edith Harl, along with many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Harold Morris, a sister Pat Davis, and a nephew Brad Davis.
Funeral services for David Morris will be at 10am on Thursday, March 24th at the Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5pm-7pm on Wednesday, March 23rd at the church. Memorial donations can be made to the Fairfield CP Church and will be accepted during the services at the church or at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home. Condolences can be made to the family at www.facebook.com/johnsonvaughnfuneralhome