Richard D. "Dick" Morrison

Richard ""Dick"" D. Morrison, 85, of Venice, FL passed away peacefully November 21, 2013. Dick was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 1, 1928, the son of Anna M. and William E. Morrison. Dick was educated in the Baltimore city schools, was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving in France and Germany. After the war, Dick was employed by Hobbywoods and Delta Power Tools as a salesman and demonstrator for woodworking tools and supplies. Dick was also a radio DJ for WAYE Radio in Baltimore before being transferred to Flroida in 1964, where he was a radio DJ for WSEB in Sebring. Dick had a passion for woodworking and carpentry. He built many houses, furniture, cabinets and was an excellent craftsman. His love of woodworking showed on everything he made. He moved to Venice in 1966 and joined the Venice Volunteer Fire Department. In 1970 the Fire Department became a paid entity of the City of Venice. Dick was hired onto the department. He continued his education in the fire sciences and retired at the rank of battalion captain. After his retirement, Dick and his wife, Barbara, opened Gems by Barbara and Tropical Scenes & Things on West Venice Avenue in downtown Venice, which they operated for many years. During the years of owning the stores, they were able to travel to Brazil often to mine for many of the beautiful gems sold in their store. Dick served as President of the Gulf Coast Mineral, Fossil and Gem Club for several years and was also show chairman for their annual show at the Venice Community Center. Upon retiring again, Dick and Barbara traveled throughout the world and extensively in the U.S with their RV, visiting all 50 states. Dick was a member of the Venice Presbyterian Church and an affiliate member of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin, N.C. where they enjoyed their summer home for many years. Dick was also a 32nd degree Mason, Venice Masonic Lodge 301, life member of the Fort Myers Scottish Rite 32nd degree and a Shriner with the Sahib Center in Sarasota, Venice Shrine Club and past secretary, treasurer and chief of the Venice Shrine Keystone Kops Unit. Dick was in many parades with the Keystone Kops and pulled a little K-9 dog in a trailer behind his bicycle. Dick was also a member of the American Legion Post 0400. Dick was predeceased by his loving wife, Barbara. He was also predeceased by a daughter, N. Susan Miller. He is survived by a daughter, Wendy Morrison of Baltimore, MD. He is also survived by four step children: Scott (Susan) Lear of CA, Linda (Scott) Russell of FL, William (Beth) Lear of NY, and Peter (Stefanie) Lear of FL. Surviving also are 10 loving grandchildren: Erik, Marc, Kristina, Sarah, Emily, Rachelle, Bill IV, Jacob, Elyse, Chloe. Dick's brother, W. Robert Morrison of Canton, OH also survives. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, November 30 at Venice Presbyterian Church. Memorial Donations may be made to Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood, FL 34224 or Shriner's Hospital for Children, c/o Sahib Temple, 600 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34232.