03/20/11 - NNHS Newsletter

Milton W. Morrison

NEWPORT NEWS - Milton Wilson Morrison, 86, a native and lifelong resident of Newport News, died Friday, March 18, 2011.

Graduating from Newport News High School in June 1942, he attended the NNS Apprentice School until joining the Navy, where he served as an Aviation Machinist Mate in WWII. He served in the Pacific on the USS St. George, servicing aircraft from island to island all the way to Japan. Afterwards, he attended William and Mary and, then, returned to the Shipyard, where he retired in 1988.

Milton Morrison

He and Nancy married in October 1970. In 1981, he became a member of Warwick Lion's Club. He received the Lion's prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow award. He took an active part at Grace United Methodist Church, helped in PORT, homeless programs, and LINK. He was a longtime member of The Mariner's Museum, RSVP, and volunteer of 17 years at NN/Williamsburg Airport. He and Nancy loved cruising and dancing. Wherever they'd sail, he'd always be on the lookout for the 'Lion Symbol.'
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Christine Wilson and Robert Morrison Sr.; brother, Robert Morrison Jr.; and sister, Catherine M. Verrell.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Nancy Stewart Johnson and her husband, Raymond; sons, John Rea Stewart and his wife, Janice, James Dwight Stewart and his wife, Shree; two beautiful granddaughters, Melanie Rea and Mary Frances Johnson, who knew him by 'Grand Dan' or 'Dee Dee'; also his sister-in-law, Marlyn L. Rea of The Villages, Fla. Known and loved by many, he will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the caring nurses and caregivers at Hospice Community Care, and wonderful supportive friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2011, officiated by the Rev. Helen Casey-Rutland, at Grace United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.

Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

Published in the Daily Press from March 20 to March 21, 2011. Visit Guest Book

03/20/11 - NNHS Newsletter - Milt Morrison

Milton Wilson Morrison
(d. 18 Mar 2011)

Newport News High School Class of June 1942

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,
We have another sad edition of the NNHS Newsletter this Sunday morning. Milton Morrison, Class of June 1942, husband of Nancy Rea Morrison (June '45), passed away in Newport News on Friday, March 18, 2011 at the age of 86. He was the brother of the late Robert Morrison and of the late Catherine Morrison Verrell.

From Fred Field (June '45) of CA - 03/02/11, 4:37 PM - " Milton Morrison (June 1942)":

Hello Carol, March 20, 2011

I was saddened to read today's Daily Press obituary of Milton Wilson Morrison, NNHS June 1942. He was my next door neighbor on Pear Avenue. The Morrisons were good neighbors and close friends. Milt served as an early role model for me.

One of my special memories of Milt stems from my beginning the first grade at Woodrow Wilson School. Like most beginners, I was brought to school on the first day by my mother.

At that time (Sept. 1934) the school street, Hampton Avenue, was very short and had only two connections with other streets:

1. Maple Avenue which required a circuitous travel route: Pear Avenue to Maple via 19th Street, then N. to Hampton Avenue. This was judged too complicated for a six year old who had just arrived on the Boulevard in June.

2. And even worse, Pine Avenue, which required going all the way N. on Pear Avenue to the dreaded Kecoughtan Road. Then W. to Pine, and S. to Hampton Avenue.

There was a third alternative. At the N. end of Park Avenue there was an elevated dirt path across the marsh. That route traversed a tiny footbridge across a branch of Salter's Creek that flowed through the marsh. There were strong neighborhood legends about water snakes that lurked there.

My mother was very nervous about letting me use the marsh route alone. Her solution was to arrange for Milt (four years older) to escort me to school, at least for a few weeks.

On that second day, I reported to the Morrison house and Milt and I set off for school. As we neared Park Avenue Milt instructed me to walk well behind him. The reason became obvious as his Park Avenue classmates joined him. I was dismayed at first - until I noticed that about every 30 feet Milt would glance back and check on me.

Somehow, I was soon able to convince my mother that the Park Avenue marsh route did not pose much of a threat and I was allowed to walk to school alone.

I admired Milt's many abilities. He was a skilled trumpet player and set an example for me that I could never quite measure up to. He was very outstanding in gymnastics and easily became a football letterman in high school. I didn't even try. But I did follow him into the Navy.

Milt married my classmate, Nancy Rea. They made a fine couple.

In later years I began writing little nostalgic essays about growing up in Newport News. I consulted Milt many times to help elaborate details. I was always amazed at his memory.

I shall always remember him with great fondness.

Fred

(More on the marsh at Woodrow Wilson in issue 2-25-05)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Fred W. Field
Fullerton, CA
fwfield@juno.com

Thank you so much, Fred; you have my sincerest condolences on the loss of your friend and schoolmate.

From the Daily Press - 03/20/11:

March 20, 2011

Dear Nancy and Family,
You are in our prayers and thoughts at this time of your loss.
May our God surround each of you with comfort and peace.
You will be missed by me! (((HUG)))
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Grace, Peace, and Love,
Janet and Mildred Lockstampfor also Friends of North Riverside Baptist Church

March 20, 2011

Dear Nancy and Family,
You are in our prayers and thoughts at this time of your sorrow. I miss you and yours. May God be with you and give you peace with comfort.
Edna, caregiver.

~ Edna G, Newport News, Virginia

March 20, 2011

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Morrison family and their friends at this difficult time.

Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!

Love to all, Carol

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NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE: http://www.nnhs65.com

PERSONAL WEB SITE: http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat

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Carol Buckley Harty
915-780-3048

Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

Words by Edward Hopper

Music by John E. Gould, 1871

Jesus Savior, pilot me over life's tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treacherous shoal;
Chart and compass came from Thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boisterous waves obey Thy will, when Thou say'st to them "Be still!"
Wondrous Sov'reign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore and the fearful breakers roar,
'Twixt me and the peaceful rest; then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear Thee say to me, "Fear not, I will pilot thee."

"Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me" midi and lyrics courtesy of http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/pilotme.html - um, a long time ago...

Greg Olsen Paintings courtesy of http://gregolsengallery.com – 01/27/05

Animated Navy Flag clip art courtesy of http://www.angelfire.com/ny4/KevsGifsGalore/Patriotic.html - 06/18/03

Blackwork Flowers Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.bravenet.com - 08/12/04

Navy Seal clip art courtesy of http://www.onemileup.com/miniSeals.asp - 05/29/06

Lions International Logo courtesy of http://www.firmston.com/pwlions/fundraising.htm - 02/06/08

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