Dr. Sherman Jr. Morris

ASHEVILLE Arthur Sherman Morris, Jr., an Obstetrics-Gynecology Physician who practiced medicine in Asheville for 31 years passed away Friday, July 31, 2009 at Clare Bridge after fighting a long battle with dementia. Dr. Morris was born in Lake Hurst, New Jersey September 6, 1934 to the late Margaret Lippard Morris and Arthur S. Morris, Sr. of Hot Springs. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Clarice B. Morris, a sister, Peggy McAbee and his granddaughter, Norah Elizabeth Morris. Being a military family, Dr. Morris attended public school in many states. He graduated from Gadsden High School, Gadsden, Alabama in 1952, was a graduate of University of Alabama in 1955 and a graduate of University of North Carolina in 1959. Dr. Morris became an ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1957 and entered active military in 1959 and was stationed in Portsmouth, VA, Sasebo, Japan, Albany, NY and Charleston, SC. He received an honorable discharge in 1968 as Lt. Commander. Dr. Morris began his practice as an OBGyn physician in Asheville in 1968. At this time, he also introduced the epidural to the area. He formed WNC OBGyn In 1970. He was a devoted physician, delivering thousands of babies. He practiced medicine and lived his life with integrity and generations of patients can attest to his skilled and compassionate care. Dr. Morris was a member of North Carolina Medical Society, Southeastern OB Gyn and South Atlantic OB Gyn. He served as Chief of Staff at Memorial Mission Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital. He was on teaching staff at Mountain Area Health. He served on the board of Baptist Childrens Home and volunteered at ABCCM Medical Clinic. Dr. Morris was a pilot. He was taught by Bill Norwood in 1969 and 1970. He logged many hours of flight while flying his own Bonanza. He was an avid skier, loved bicycling, jogging and walking. He spent many hours enjoying his hobby, woodworking, making many beautiful toys for his grandchildren. He had a great love for his cats. Dr. Morris is survived by his wife, Hollie H. Morris of the home; son, Arthur S. Morris, III and wife Cynthia of Raleigh; daughter, MargEva Cole and husband Stephen of Durham; stepson, Nick A. Alvarez and wife Tami of Asheville; sister, Virginia Schellberg and husband Peter of Fountain Valley, CA; granddaughters, Meghan Morris, Therice Morris, Briana Alvarez whom he delivered in 1997 and Eleanor Cole; grandson, Nathaniel Cole; aunts, Ruth Smith, Nancy Lippard and husband Joe Lalley and Sara Hoyt and husband Bill all of Asheville; many In-laws, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 11 A.M. Saturday, August 8, 2009 in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Rev. Randy Gregory officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Mtn. Area Hospice CarePartners, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, N.C. 28813 or to the Buncombe County Animal Shelter, 72 Lees Creek Rd, Asheville, N.C. 28806. The family would like to express their gratitude for all the kindness, compassion and excellent care given by the staff at Clare Bridge.