June 16 2019
David Morris June 16, 2019 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook| Memorial Donation Professor David Morris, a resident of Charlottesville and Rockbridge Baths, Virginia, died on Sunday, June 16, 2019. He was born on May 9, 1933, in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Helen Crossman and William Worth Morris. Surviving him are his wife, Dougie; his daughter, Catherine Harrington and husband, Jim; his son, Steven and wife, Molly; grandchildren, Sophie and husband, David Riedl, Aja Wood and fiance, Austin Jones, Logan Morris, and Roland Morris; and his younger brother, Robert and wife, Julie. His granddaughter, Gaelen Wood and sister, Mary Sue Fryer, are predeceased. He spent his youth in Shelby, North Carolina where he was active in sports and school politics. Following graduation in 1951 he entered Clemson College, which was then a military institution, where he became the Regimental Commander and ranking officer in the Cadet Corps. He earned a BS degree in civil engineering and a ROTC commission in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1955. Following graduation, he began active duty at Fort Belvoir, Va. where he finished at the top of his officer training class and was assigned as aide-de-camp to the commanding general of Fort Belvoir. Following two years of active duty he continued his engineering studies, graduating from North Carolina State University with an MS degree in structural engineering. After two years in private practice, he enrolled as a graduate Instructor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, receiving a Doctor of Engineering Science Degree in 1964. From there he again worked in private practice before joining the University of Virginia Civil Engineering faculty in 1966. David’s teaching career covered a broad range of topics, as well as, research in operations techniques for planning, analysis, design, optimization, and cost/benefits of large-scale civil engineering projects. His research led to two sabbatical leaves as an NSF Scholar at the Martin Center of Urban Studies and Clare College at Cambridge University, England. During his academic career in the School of Engineering, he held the administrative positions of Assistant Dean and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Among the many new programs developed under his supervision were the Rodman Scholars Program, the Office for Minority Programs and the SEAS, Overseas Graduate Student Exchange Program. In 1999, David stepped down from administration and split his second sabbatical between Washington and Lee University and a return to Cambridge University. Before retiring as Professor Emeritus in 2003, he returned to teaching at the University of Virginia. David enjoyed participation in a broad range of civic and social organizations. He held offices in The Virginia Society of Professional Engineers and The American Society of Civil Engineers. He was a member of the Raven Society at the University. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of Piedmont Community College and chaired the Albemarle County Parks Committee. He served as a member of The Rivanna Trails Foundation and president of several neighborhood associations. David enjoyed membership in the Beacon Club, the TAS Discussion Group and the Cavalier Callers Club and held the cup six times. His hobbies included reading; wood working; architecture; antiquing; furniture restoration; tennis; golf and sporting events. One of his great loves was his cat, Pierre, who predeceased him. He and Dougie enjoyed their family, traveling abroad and entertaining friends. His family would like to thank Washington and Lee student, Parker Robertson, who made time in his busy schedule to read and discuss world affairs with him every Wednesday afternoon in Lexington. His companions Gina Hartless of Buena Vista and Tiffany Price of Charlottesville who kept him safe and happy, and two of his Charlottesville friends, Paxton Marshall and Wriley Wood who came weekly to read and discuss sports, politics and other topics of interest which meant so much as his health declined. David will be missed by everyone who knew him but especially by his family. At his request there will be no memorial. Interment will be private. To remember David, take a moment during your day to be thoughtful and kind to someone, as he was to so many. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Center for Acute Hospice Care, 2965 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903 in honor of Professor David Morris. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com. Print Obituary Sign Guestbook Name: Location: Video: Image: Light A Candle Candle 1 Candle 2 Candle 3 Candle 4 Email: Personal Message: Personal Message (required) Confirm: Submit Guestbook entry
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David Morris June 16 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Charlottesville, state: Virginia