Obituary of William C. Morris

William C. Morris, 81, of Pitman, NJ died on Monday, February 6, 2012 at Cooper Medical Center in Camden. He was born on the north side of Chicago in 1930 and spent his entire life in search of that elusive World Series title for his beloved Cubs ("Just wait until next year"). He studied speech and theatre at DePaul University (BA), Northwestern (MA) and University of Illinois (PhD). He moved to Glassboro in 1968 and to Pitman in 1999. He taught at Lewis University, Loyola University and retired from Rowan University in 1999 after 32 years of service. During his tenure at Rowan he served as Professor of Theatre, President of the Faculty Senate, Dean of Fine and Performing Arts, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chairman of the Department of Theatre and Dance. He directed over 250 productions in his 50 years in the theatre. It was often said that he would direct anything, "including the traffic at Main & High." He was a director for Campus Players, Hollybush Opera Festival, Glassboro Summer Theatre, and producer/director for the Glassboro Summer Children's Theatre. Since his retirement, Bill had served as the President of the Friends of the Pitman Library; Assisted with activities at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Pitman) and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew; was an active member of the Mantua Lions Club and served as guest lecturer on Film for a variety of civic organizations. A certified F.O.O.F (Friend of Old Films), his knowledge of the films of the 30's and 40's was exhaustive. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia Jean Morris, and survived by his sons, Timothy R. Morris and Geoffrey F. (Marie) Morris; his three-grandchildren Francis Morris, Christen Morman and Amanda Morman; 5 great-grandchildren, Caleb, Kate, Everett, Avery and Ju-Ha; and his former daughter-in-law Margaret Morris Friends may call at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 315 Highland Terrace, Pitman, NJ at 10am on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Funeral service will follow at 11am. A memorial service for friends, former students and colleagues is being planned for a later date. Interment will be private In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Patricia J. Morris Scholarship Fund of the National Quilt Museum, 215 Jefferson Street, Paducah, Kentucky 42001, or the general fund of the Church of the Good Shepherd, 315 Highland Terrace, Pitman, NJ 08071.