Richard (Buddy) Franklin Morris, Jr.

Richard Franklin Morris, Jr. Richard (Buddy) Franklin Morris, Jr., 79, passed away on April 21, 2021, at his home in Ocklawaha, Florida. Born in Clewiston, Florida on November 20, 1941, he was raised in West Palm Beach, Florida where he lived 66 years. He moved to Ocklawaha in 2007 to be near family. A well-respected and successful businessman in West Palm Beach, Buddy worked as an Air Conditioning (A/C) technician and then A/C contractor for over 40 years. He earned his Class A Air Conditioning Contractor License in 1992 and owned and operated Morris A/C, INC. until his retirement from the trade in 2004. Buddy was active in the community as a Lifetime Member of the Loyal Order of the Moose (LOOM). A member since 1987, he held every leadership position in the organization including Governor and Administrator. In these positions, he ran the daily operations of Moose Legion #197, raised funds for special projects and helped members in need. The LOOM awarded him with a Fellowship Degree of Honor in 1997 in Philadelphia, PA for his outstanding leadership, character and community service. Buddy is survived by his daughter Carla Sharman (Brian) Severna Park, MD, son Richard F. Morris, III (Nikki) of Ocklawaha, FL, son James Wayne Morris (Christy) of Keystone Heights, FL, and daughter Susan Devereaux (Eric) of Cheyenne, WY. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Lauren Hilbert (Alex), Richard Morris, IV (Savannah), Brianna Brown (Jason), Dustin Morris (Courtney), Alyssa Parker (Eric), Dawson Morris, Jenna Devereaux and Cody Sharman; 6 great-grandchildren: Lily, Teagan, Odin, Jaxon, Boone and Callen and two sisters, Linda Sue Hargraves and Zelda Frances Woodward of Cairo, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Morris, Sr. and Ruby Mae Morris, his brother Walter Morris and his grandson Joshua Morris. A celebration of life will be held for his family and close friends at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, consider donating to Moose Charities. Condolences may be left at Hiers-Baxley.com