John George Morris Jr., 77, of Gainesville was welcomed into heaven on April 21st at his residence, following a courageous battle with cancer. While comforted and prayed over by his family, he entered eternal life. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Linda Morris; his 3 beloved children Shellie Haley (Mike) of Lexington Kentucky; David Morris (Molly) of Suwanee Georgia; Kimberly Gates (Scott) of Cumming Georgia; his grandchildren who he adored Colby Carter (Alex), Ashley Withers (Tommy), and Hunter Haley all of Lexington; Nolan Morris, Denton Morris, and Warren Morris all of Suwanee, and Elliana Gates and Leighton Gates both of Cumming; His brother Chuck Morris (Carol) of Hastings Minnesota, and their family; His sister Sharon Robertson (Charlie) of Millican Texas, and their family; His brother Paul Morris (Kris) of Hastings Minnesota and their family.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy Morris of Hastings Minnesota. John was born September 7, 1940 in Ogallala Nebraska and raised in Hastings Minnesota. Upon graduation from Mankato State University he began his service in the United States Navy and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War.
Upon completion of his active duty, he attended The University of Florida College of Law, Class of 1971. After graduation from law school, and while continuing his military service in the US Navy Reserves, he achieved the rank of Commander and began his work for the state of Florida. He spent the next 22 years in various roles including Assistant State Attorney, Director of Medicaid Fraud, and Deputy Attorney General.
He ended his career with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida as Director of Special Investigations. During his working years John served as President of both the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units and the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association of which he was also a proud and founding member. Even during retirement John continued to serve others through his work on various Boards of Directors including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Legacy Link and the Cresswind Community Advisory Committee.
In his spare time John enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at his church home, Gainesville First United Methodist Church, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 27. Rev.
Jamey Prickett will officiate. The family will receive friends after the service in the gathering room. Mr. Morris’ cremated remains will be interred at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association in memory of Mr. Morris. Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
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