Marcus Mancel Morris

Marcus Mancel Morris 'A Life Well-Lived' Marcus Mancel Morris, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, at the age of 99. Born on May 4, 1925, in Atlanta, Georgia, he was the youngest child of Charles H. Morris and Nell Jordan Morris and grew up in Grant Park. Their family included his older (only slightly) sister, Betty, with whom he remained close throughout their lives. A born salesman, Marc was drawn to a business-oriented education and graduated from Atlanta's Commercial High School, where he learned the skills of office management and perfected the now lost art of shorthand, which he continued to use throughout his life! He then attended the University of Georgia's 'Atlanta Division', which became Georgia State University, and graduated with a degree in Business. During these years, he enjoyed the camaraderie of Delta Sigma Pi fraternity and served as Student Body President. From an early age, Marc's family life revolved around the Church, and he served his Lord in many capacities. His first church family was Park Avenue Baptist Church in Grant Park, where he was one of the youngest members to be installed as a Deacon, establishing a legacy of service that would continue throughout his life. Park Avenue played an important role in another way... as a young adult, he was introduced to a beautiful young lady who would become his wife, Betty Jo Curry. They married on September 6, 1952, beginning an adventure which spanned 67 years until her passing in September 2019. Together, they raised three children-Margot, Michele, and Marc Jr.-and 'BJ' was instrumental in his business and personal success. In the 1970s, the Morris family became active members of Rainbow Park Baptist Church in Decatur, where Marc taught Sunday school and sang in the Choir, served as a Deacon, and held several positions in Church leadership. In later years, he and BJ were active at Avondale First Baptist, and he was also an avid supporter (watched online!) of Piedmont Church. Marc was deeply connected to the city of Atlanta; a place he called home his entire life. He took pride in his hometown and was a beneficiary of Atlanta's meteoric growth. With his outgoing personality and business acumen, he began his career in the transportation field with Wester Carloading and quickly advanced in the ranks. As his star was rising, Marc was encouraged by BJ's uncle, Earl Gardner, to 'go out on his own' and start his own business. Earl introduced Marc to Mr. Walter Richard, who owned an established business in the advertising and promotional field, Atlanta Advertising Novelty Co. (est. 1918), and was ready to retire. A deal was struck, and Marc purchased AANC from Mr. Richard in 1961. Utilizing his people and business skills, he rapidly grew the company and became a central figure in the Atlanta business and advertising community. Under the direction of Margot, the firm continues to thrive today. As the company became successful, he was entrusted with many business and civic roles. Mr. Richard took pride in Marc and sponsored him into the prestigious Atlanta Kiwanis Club in 1961. Marc truly enjoyed this opportunity to create long-lasting friendships while 'giving back' to the community. This was an important part of his life, as evidenced by his 50 plus years of Perfect Attendance!! In the 1960s, he was an organizer and Director of the C&S Bank of South DeKalb, which later merged with C&S National Bank. He served as a Director of C&S and later NationsBank, until his retirement. His affiliation with C&S was a source of great pride an established him as a 'mover and shaker' and created many lifelong business and personal relationships. Marc and BJ shared a close bond with his older sister Betty and her husband, Ben Tucker, who lived in Ormond Beach, Florida. Betty and Ben's children, Tommy and Betty Ann, were very special to Marc and BJ and participated in their wedding. The families were very close, and many Morris vacations were spent at the Tuckers' beautiful home, Dixieland on the Halifax. Through Betty and Ben, Marc and BJ became active in the social world of Ormond Beach and enjoyed numerous parties and social events through the years. In addition, the two couples traveled the world extensively together, with Marc and BJ visiting 37 countries. Marc and BJ also enjoyed frequent excursions to Las Vegas to visit BJ's sister and brother-in-law, Freddie and George Swift, and were introduced to the joys of the Rat Pack, celebrities and early-bird buffets! Marc was blessed with good health throughout his lifetime. He became an avid jogger in the 1970s and made a point during his travels to jog in interesting places, the most notable being the original Olympic Stadium in Greece! Well into his 90s, he continued to walk up to 4 miles a day and continued to keep his mind sharp by maintaining an active lifestyle until just weeks before his passing. He proudly attributed this to not visiting a doctor for most of his adult life, because they'll always find something wrong! Marc was predeceased by his beloved wife BJ and daughter Michele. Also known as 'Grumps' and 'Uncle', he is survived by his children, Margot Morris Dawkins (Marvin) and Marcus Morris Jr. (Ginger Dixon), and his favorite niece, Betty Ann Davis (Dan O'Dell), all of Atlanta. Other family members include grandchildren, Matthew, Michael and Marshall Dawkins; Laurence Bird; and Lindsey, Tessa and Martha Anne (Annie) Morris, and countless others from both the Morris and Curry sides of the family whom he loved dearly. The family would like to extend warm thanks to all those who made Marc's final years special from his lunch pals at the Dorothy Benson Senior Center in Sandy Springs to the caring staff at Harbor Grace Hospice in Atlanta. Memorial Service planned for Monday, December 9, 2024, at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 850 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30327. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00, with the service at 11:00. A reception will immediately follow the service. We will gather to celebrate 'A Life Well-Lived'! In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marc's memory to: The Shepherd Center Foundation 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 Attn: Ms. Cara Roxland Condolences may be submitted online at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

Marcus Mancel Morris

May 4, 1925 - November 15, 2024