Birth date: Sep 29, 1942 Death date: Dec 14, 2019
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The Rev. Doctor Melvin Douglas “ Doug, Scoop” Morris of Erwin, TN died Saturday, December 14, 2019 at home surrounded by his family. Dr. Morris was also a Lord in Witherslack, UK. He was a well known newspaper reporter, editor and publisher and authored several books on Tennessee history and B-Western Heroes. He had an extensive B-Western collection, beginning when he was a child… a cowboy at heart. Dr. Morris served newspapers, Daily- Gazette Mail in Morristown, The Knoxville Journal, Monroe County Advocate, Rogersville Review, Roane Newspapers and Clinton Courier-News. He also was editor of Tennessee Valley Outdoors in Greeneville. Doug traveled to Venezuela with Stan Brock and Jack Hanna to reintroduce two jaguars back into the wilds. He was instrumental in placement of cameras in courtrooms. Doug interviewed scores of Presidents, Vice-Presidents, movie stars, singers and dignitaries. His favorite writings were about the common person. He was interviewed by Jeremy Paxman, highly acclaimed newsman of the BBC. Dr. Morris was a Mason and Shriner having eared his 50-year pin. He served on many Tennessee Press Association Committees, presided over several Chamber of Commerces and was one of the organizers of Rogersville’s 4th of July Celebration and frequent speaker for events, festivals and conventions. Doug is survived by his wife, Lady Judy Taylor Morris of Witherslack, England and Dunans, Scotland who he met in the woods at a murder scene while working for competing newspaper; son and daughter-in-law, Michael Shawn “Sam” Morris and Diane of Erwin; grandchildren, Rachel Morris Cameron and husband, Dustin of Morristown, Shawn Michael Morris of United States Air Force, Special Services and Ayden Mason Morris of Erwin. He was anticipating the birth of Rachel’s twin daughters in January. Doug died with his faithful companion, Mirror his Parson Jack Russell on his lap. He was preceded in death by parents, Jim and Irie Morris, brother, Beecher; sisters, Geneva Hope and twin sisters, Ivalene Bruce and Ovalene Mathews. A Celebration of Life Service for Doug will be conducted at 6:00 PM Thursday, December 19, 2019 at Maranatha Tabernacle, Unicoi with Pastor E.L Wheeler and Mr. David Penley officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 5:00 PM until the service hour. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, December 20, 2019 in the Hamblen Memory Gardens, Morristown, Tennessee. For those attending this service you are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 AM. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Oasis Group of Maranatha Tabernacle, 122 Timberridge Road, Erwin, TN 37650. Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City is serving the Morris family. 423-928-2245Read Obituary
Judy my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. We worked together at the Advocate/Democrat in Sweetwater the times shared will never be forgotten. Betty McCulloch Sledge
Thank you, Betty. He always talked about those mouth-watering watermelon pickles you brought to a staff dinner. I will truly miss him. Dementia is such a horrible disease.
Doug was my mentor for several years in the newspaper business. More than that, he and Judy were great friends and I will miss him greatly. I worked for him in Sweetwater, Rogersville, Kingston and Clinton. He and Judy took me under their wing and helped me become a better writer and better person. He stressed integrity and honesty in journalism, unlike what we see and today's news media. He was old school and a master of the business. I was blessed to have him as a boss and friend.
Rick, he was always so proud of you. He considered you a prized reporter and competent editor. He talked often of those Krispy Kreme doughnuts and jaunts in my Firebird. He loved Tellico Plains beach and fishing for rainbow trout. You were his Tonto, faithful companion
Doug and Judy were my neighbors for about 5 years or so and I used to mow for them. Doug would tell me I was a pretty yard man. He was always nice and kind to me a good neighbor and friend. I will miss him.
Connie, Doug always bragged about the yard and those home-grown tomatoes you brought him. He enjoyed visits from Jasper and Jennie, too, always making sure they had doggie treats to munch on. We appreciate all you did for us. Thanks.
Doug and Judy hired me at the Rogersville Review in 1989. I really enjoyed working with them for several years, I'll never forget those days, whether I drove to Mooresburg to take a picture of a car that had run into a house and get it into the paper or going to the Mount Carmel Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings. Thanks for giving me a chance to continue my career that is still going all these years later. Prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
In Christ's Love,
Wade, Tina and Nathaniel Littleton
Wade, Doug knew he had a treasured newspaperman when he hired you. You never complained when he sent you from one side of the county to the other you jumped into your car and sped to your assignment like a NASCAR driver at Bristol. You never complained and kept the road hot, never missing a story. Now that’s a newspaperman!
