Arnold J. Morris Jr.
“Whad’ya know?” Dr. Arnold J. Morris, Jr., also known as “AJ,” “Doc,” “Junior,” “Papa Doc,” and several other iterations of the above, passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at the age of 77.
AJ was born Nov. 12, 1945 in Archer City to Arnold J. “Hefty” Morris, from whom he inherited his cleft chin and dry sense of humor, and Evelyn Geraldine Morris, from whom he inherited his favorite recipes and love of dogs. Despite his best efforts, he graduated from Archer City High School in 1964. He went on to attend the University of Texas before signing up for an all-inclusive trip to Vietnam courtesy of the United States Army. During his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infrantrymans Badge, Two Overseas Bars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
After six years of military service and earning the rank of Captain, he endured an even greater hardship: medical school at the University of Texas in San Antonio. He practiced medicine for 40 years, helping countless patients during their time of need with kindness and empathy. Yet, at home, he continued to operate under the family motto of “No blood, no tears.” He was indeed a man of multitudes. He was a member of American Legion Post 198 and Masonic Lodge 708. He’ll be missed dearly and remembered fondly for his sly smile, the menagerie of animals he kept over the years, and his devout viewership of the 24-hour news cycle.
Viewing: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Greenwood Funeral Home in Fort Worth. Wake: the evening of Thursday, April 20, at American Legion Post 198 in Archer City. Funeral services: 11 a.m. on Friday, April 21, at First United Methodist Church in Archer City followed by a graveside service with military honors.
AJ was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold J. “Hefty” Morris Sr., Evelyn Geraldine Morris.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Ann Morris; sons, Arnold J. Morris, III and partner, Amy Huffman and John Andrew Morris and wife, Nikki; brother, Burk Morris and wife, Kim; sister, Julie Eckard; nephew Derrick Eckard; and his three grandchildren, Archer, Jett and Hattie Morris.
