Charles M. "Morris" Johnson

Charles M. “Morris” Johnson, Jr. entered eternal life on February 27, 2016. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee and graduated from Oak Ridge High School. Following high school, Morris enlisted in the United States Navy. After an honorable discharge from distinguished service on the aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid, Morris worked for Union Carbide Corporation in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Morris and his wife, Gerry, started their beautiful family of four daughters while in Oak Ridge. In 1971, the family moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for Morris to work with Uncle Dwight Johnson, owner of Flair Construction Company. In 1976, Morris organized Morris Johnson Construction Co., Inc. Ultimately, the company developed into one of the most respected construction firms on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For over 25 years, Morris’ company was consistently recognized as a Top 10 Builder for Kirby Building Systems. His successes lead to his selection as a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee for Kirby Building Systems. Morris took great pride in delivering a quality product on time and within budget. He was a man of integrity; a Methodist in the Christian Faith. His word was his bond. Most importantly, Morris was a compassionate and loving husband, father and grandfather. Morris never forgot his Tennessee heritage. It was not uncommon to hear the tune “Rocky Top” following every Volunteer success. If you debated about his University of Tennessee athletic programs, you were destined to lose. Morris gave back to his community through service on the Harrison County Tourism Commission for over 12 years. He was a faithful supporter of youth sports in Harrison County. He was active in the Gulf Coast Carnival Association as a Duke in 1986. In earlier years Morris enjoyed golfing friendships and memberships at Pass Christian Isles and Windance Golf and Country Club. Morris was preceded in death by his father, Charles M. Johnson, Sr., and mother, Trixie Johnson, his sister in law, Judy Kohler, nephews Scott Knight and Danny Knight and special uncle, Dwight Johnson. Morris is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gerry Johnson, and four daughters: Donna Keating (Hugh), Terry D’Angelo (Joey), Karen Lanning and Cindy Johnson. He leaves a legacy of 8 grandchildren: Micky D’Angelo, Robby D’Angelo, Anthony D’Angelo, Erin Keating Whitaker (Jeff), Dennis Keating, Daniel Keating, April Lanning Peleaz (Greg) and Raven Lanning Devilbliss (Kegan). Additionally, Morris is survived by 6 great grandchildren, Isabelle Whitaker, Curran Whitaker, Hughes Whitaker, Layton Peleaz, Bailey Peleaz and Kamden Devilbliss. Morris is also survived by his sister, Nancy Carson, brother in law, Jerry Kohler, sister in law, Janet Creel, special aunt Jean Johnson and his pet bichon frise, Jasmine. The family gives special thanks to caregivers, Ann Clements, Barbara Cuevas and Melissa Moore, as well as the doctors, nurses and staff of Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Select Specialty Care and Canon Hospice, and a special thanks to Miss Emily. Visitation will be Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will be Friday, March 4, at 11:00 A.M. in the funeral home chapel with a committal service to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family prefers memorials to AKULA Foundation for Swan Camp C/O Canon Hospice, 1520 Broad Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com