Robert Reid Morrison

Robert Reid Morrison passed away early in the morning of May 24, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. He was 94 years old. He was born in Gainesville on August 1,1929 to the couple Robert Reid Morrison (Sr) and Florrie Ergle Morrison. The young family lived in Hawthorne, Florida. Unfortunately, when young Robert (Bobby) was only 9 years old, he and his mother suffered the tragic loss of his father. After time had passed his mother remarried and Bobby became the stepson of Richard Helmintoller. The new family eventually moved to Washington, D.C., where Helmintoller worked in U.S. Government offices. Robert finished high school in Washington, then set his sights on an academic career. His education included a bachelor’s degree at George Washington University, a master’s at Middlebury College, and a Ph.D. at the University of Florida. The time between the bachelor's and the Ph.D. was eventful. Robert met and married Patricia Ann Carey. Then he was called to serve two years (August 1951 - August 1953) in the U.S. Army. After the service, he and Patricia began their family, having first a son, Gary, and later a daughter, Karen. In addition, Robert began his long career as a teacher of foreign languages (Spanish and French) and literature. One of Morrison’s joys was train travel. He planned and took some memorable trips via rail with his family, including two trips across the U.S. and one through western Europe. Morrison was proud to have been a co-founder of the East Carolina Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and served as the editor of the Chapter’s newsletter for many years. In retirement years he enjoyed doing some writing, contributing the occasional article to a newsletter or a local publication. Among those Robert Morrison leaves behind are a son, Gary Morrison, a daughter, Karen Morrison, and a beloved cousin, Sybil Wood. Some notes of gratitude: The care provided by the staff of Haven Hospice is very appreciated. Special thanks are due to Dominic Orsini (and his family) for the extraordinary support and friendship given to Robert in his last years. There is no service planned at this time. Memorial gifts can be made to the Haven Hospice Foundation or to the North Carolina Railway Museum (which was formerly known as the East Carolina Chapter of the NRHS).