Donald Ray “Donnie” Morris of Marietta, OK, was born on July 25, 1940, in Graham, TX, to Clinton Monroe and Willie Hazel (Jones) Morris. He passed from this life surrounded by his loving family at his home in Marietta on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the age of 85.

Donnie attended Valley View schools and later Valley View High School. At the age of 17, he left school to proudly serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. During his military service, he traveled the world as a boilerman aboard the USS Higbee that was stationed in Japan.

After returning home, Donnie met the love of his life, the former Sandra Kay Bond. The couple was united in marriage on May 24, 1963, in Gainesville, TX, and shared more than 63 wonderful years together.

Donnie earned a Bachelor of Political Science degree from East Texas A&M University in Commerce, TX and attended University of Texas in Austin, TX. He later worked a lengthy career as an electrician and maintenance worker with Weber Aircraft in Gainesville and retired in 2004.

Donnie was a true jack of all trades who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcome. Known for his playful sense of humor, Donnie loved teasing those around him and bringing laughter wherever he went. He especially cherished spending time with all children and never missed an opportunity to make someone smile. Donnie always carried a pocket full of quarters to “pull” out of the kid’s ears. In his spare time, he enjoyed refinishing furniture, taking pride in restoring old pieces to new life. Donnie also attended Thackerville Church of Christ, where he was part of a community that meant a great deal to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Hazel Morris; sons, Daniel Morris and Donnie Morris; brothers, Royce Morris and Richard "Dickie" Morris and wife Happy; sisters, Adele Garrett and husband Joe, June Henry and husband Glenn, and Deborah Denham and husband Benny; and sister-in-law, Jane Morris.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Sandra Morris of the home; son, Allen Morris and wife Randi of Ramah, CO; daughter, Pam Morris of Marietta; grandchildren, Donnie Paclik, Di’ana Morris, Ashlynn Leonard, Austin Ragains, Tristan Ragains, and Vanna Ragains; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Bill Morris of Fresno, CA; sister, Sandy Kemp and husband Stanley of Tioga, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Hope Cemetery on Farm Road 372, south of Gainesville, Texas, with Bro. Murray McMurray officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Marietta.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the compassionate caregivers of Cross Timbers Hospice for the exceptional care and comfort they provided during Donnie's final days. A special thank you is extended to Nikki Henson, Nikki Schaeffer, K.K. Burton, Shawn Dudenhoeffer, Dr. Dale Anderson, and his special caregiver, Victoria Salayandia, for their kindness, compassion, and unwavering support.