Decorated WWII Veteran Witnessed MacArthur’s Return to the Philippines
Robert Beahrs Morris, distinguished Atlanta businessman and a World War II veteran decorated for “outstanding heroism in action in support of amphibious landings” in the war against the Japanese in the Pacific, died Saturday. Mr. Morris was a executive officer on Landing Craft Infantry Gunboat 439, part of Flotilla Three. He and his crew took part in the occupation of Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls, the capture and occupation of Guam, the landings at Leyte in the Phillipines, the Lingayen Gulf landings and the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto. At Leyte, executive officer Morris was an eyewitness to General MacArthur coming ashore at the Liberation of the Philippines. When he would talk about the war, which was seldom, he had amazing memories to share. “Our boys put General MacArthur down on dry land in the Philippines. They were taking care of their General so he didn’t have to get his feet wet. But he made ‘em back up and let him out in the water so he could wade ashore. He knew he needed to inspire the troops and the folks back home.”
Commending Flotilla Three, James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy, wrote: “Operating dangerously in poorly charted waters off the reef-studded shores of those heavily fortified hostile bases, LCI(G) Flotilla THREE preceded the assault waves to deliver concentrated rocket and gunfire at perilously close range … repeatedly navigating unswept channels to carry out their missions…under heavy Japanese gunfire and the intense cross-fire of our own ships …Gallantly responding to the many calls for close-in fire, the units … provided smoke and protective screens … against hostile aircraft, submarines and small craft; they disrupted potentially dangerous counterattacks by Japanese landing barges and they defied enemy fire to conduct daring patrols … breaking down enemy resistance on these fiercely defended islands and reflect[ing] the aggressive fighting spirit of the officers and men who braved fanatic Japanese opposition to fulfill their missions." Robert Beahrs “Bob” Morris was born June 13, 1922 to Fred Atkins Morris and Edna Elizabeth Beahrs Morris in Louisville, Kentucky and baptized on September 18, 1927, at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church, Louisville, KY. The family moved to Decatur, Georgia when he was six years old, and his father started Specialty Distributing Company, a electronics distribution company, in his home on West Ponce de Leon Avenue in the middle of the Great Depression. After attending Decatur City schools, Mr. Morris attended Emory University and the University of Georgia, graduating in January 1943. Three days after graduation, he received his notice to report for active duty. He attended officer training school in New York. He served in the United States Navy from April 5, 1943 – January 24, 1946 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat V, in January 1947. While on leave in 1945, Mr. Morris married Elizabeth “Lib” Parks of Gainesville, Georgia. Thanks to rationed gas coupons they received as a wedding present, they traveled across the country on their honeymoon. While in San Diego, California, they celebrated Victory over Japan or V-J Day. Following the war, Mr. Morris worked for his father’s company, rising through the ranks and eventually taking over as President and Chief Executive Officer. He also served as President of the National Electronics Distributors Association (NEDA), was a member of American Legion for over 60 years, was a Grand Master in the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons, and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity for over 60 years. In 1983, Mr. Morris sold the company and retired to Ft. Myers, Florida, where he and Mrs. Morris enjoyed deep sea fishing and traveled extensively. Married for fifty-three years until her death in June 1998, they had one son, Fred Parks Morris. In October 2000, Mr. Morris married Pat Moore Webb of Decatur Georgia. After teaching her to bait a hook and drive a boat, they enjoyed many hours of fishing together, as well as two world cruise trips. Mr. Morris is survived by his son, Fred P Morris, of Greenville South Carolina, his grandchildren, Christopher R. Morris of Dallas Texas, Benjamin A. Morris of Bokeelia, Florida, and Taylor E. Morris, Washington D.C., and two great-grandchildren: Jordyn and Zachary Morris. He is also survived by his second wife, Patricia Webb Morris, of Decatur, Georgia, step-daughters Diana Tallent of Lonsdale, Minnesota and Elizabeth Webb of Decatur, Georgia, and step-grandchildren Jake and Caitlin Tallent and Michelle and Nancy Jones. The visitation will be Wednesday, April 7, from 6-8 p.m., at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, Georgia. The funeral will be Thursday, April 8, at graveside at 2 p.m. at the Decatur Cemetery at 299 Bell Street, Decatur, GA 30030. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle,
Ft Myers, FL 33908
