Obituary for Reverend Robert (Bob) Francis Morris

OBITUARY FOR REVEREND ROBERT FRANCIS MORRIS
 
Reverend Robert (Bob) Francis Morris, 85, a retired priest of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, passed away in the early morning of March 6, 2020, at The Haven of Our Lady of Peace in Pensacola.
 
Father Bob was born May 21, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Barry College of Miami and attended the Seminary of Mary Immaculate in Northampton, Pennsylvania. Father Bob was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood May 28, 1966 as a Vincentian priest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  In 1976, Fr. Bob was incardinated into the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and served in various pastoral assignments that included parishes in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. Father Bob served as Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pensacola prior to being named Pastor of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Destin, Florida where he served for twenty-two (22) years until his retirement in 2015. In addition to his parish assignments, Father Bob served on several commissions and assumed additional duties that included Pastor and President of Pensacola Catholic High School in the 1970s & 80s. He faithfully served the people of the Dioceses of Pensacola-Tallahassee for 40 years. He leaves behind many friends, parishioners, parish staff, deacons, and brother priests who he came to know and work with over his years in ministry.      
 
Father Bob was one of 8 children and is survived by his sister, Sister Marian Leo Morris, IHM of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Religious Community and many nieces and nephews. Father Bob’s brother William (Bill) died on March 7, 2020, one day following his brother’s death. 
 
The body of Father Bob will be received at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pensacola on Friday, March 20 ^th at 8:00 am with visitation till 11:00.  Morning Prayer will be prayed at 10:00am.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 by the Most Reverend William A. Wack, CSC as the principal celebrant along with the priests of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Homilist will be Most Reverend Martin Holley, DD. Burial will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery, 1300 East Hayes Street, Pensacola, Florida. 
 
The family would like to express a special thanks to the parishioners of Corpus Christi Parish and to The Haven of Our Lady of Peace for their care for Father Bob over the past five years.
 
Fr. Bob served for over twenty years as Board Member to St. Vincent de Paul Reginal Seminary for the education and training of future priests for the diocese. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the local parish Burse Club. 
 
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.