A Celebration of Life in honor of Faculty Emeritus John Gilbert Morris will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at the All Faiths Chapel on the Florida Tech campus.
The man known as “Doc” passed away Dec. 19, 2024, in Palm Bay. He was 83.
Dr. Morris started in biological sciences at Florida Tech in 1972, colleagues recalled, and remained active in the department for more than three decades. He was instrumental in the growth and development of programs in biological sciences.
“He was not only a valued colleague but one of true pioneers who laid the foundation for our biology department,” said Hamid Rassoul, Ph.D., chief research officer and senior associate provost for research. “His dedication, passion for the field, and mentorship have had an enduring impact on many of us, including myself as a faculty and the former dean of the College of Science.”
Professor Mark Bush, Ph.D., was a longtime colleague. He said Dr. Morris will be missed by generations of students and his colleagues.
“Doc will be remembered for his warmth, his talent for sharing his love of nature with students, and his infectious laugh,” Bush said. “He was particularly tickled when one of his freshmen told him that he had also taught their parents.”
After retiring in 2008, Dr. Morris returned to Florida Tech as an adjunct, focusing primarily on online learning. He continued in this capacity until stepping down in 2022.
Dr. Morris is survived by his daughter, Shannon; son, Damon (Carla); grandchildren Katelynn (Brad), Briana (Bobby), Emily (Nathan) and Tyler; great-grandchildren Lucas, Emersyn, Ravyn, Jayden, Ryker; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn (Kate), his sister, Billie Morris, and his son-in-law, Chester.
