C.P. "Percy" Morris

C.P. ""Percy"" Morris, 95 Lakeland " Claverhouse Percival ""Percy"" Morris, 95, passed on to his heavenly home on Thursday March 8, 2012, due to heart failure. A gentle man with a servant heart, he will be greatly missed by many people. Born on June 22, 1916, in Tewkesbury, England, to Charles and Annie Morris, Percy enjoyed a very progressive British education. He began his work as an apprentice in a bakery and continued in the bakery business, learning to decorate beautiful cakes, pastries, and other delicacies. He then served as a policeman for a short period. When World War II began, Percy joined the British Royal Air Force and became a pilot, doing training in Iceland, Canada, Alabama, and then in Lakeland, Florida. During the war, he was stationed in both Egypt and India. While in Lakeland, Percy met his future bride, Elizabeth Fay Seegmiller and her family at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Lakeland. Following a five-year correspondence, they were married on October 19, 1946, in Stoke-on-Trent, England, honeymooning in London. In May 1947, Percy and Elizabeth moved to Lakeland, and on March 9, 1950 he became a naturalized American citizen. Their children, Elizabeth and Charles, were born in Lakeland. For 30 years, Percy was director of finance at Swift & Company, Phosphate Division. A member of the First United Methodist Church, he served there in several leadership capacities. He was also a member and treasurer of the Lion""s Club. He and his wife moved to The Villas III in Lakeland upon his retirement, and during his 28 years there, Percy served in many capacities on the Board of The Villas III, including President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. Percy is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Fay Morris, and his sister, Isabel Helen Morris. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Helen Morris, of Boca Raton, FL, his son, Charles Walter Morris and his wife, Victoria Weston-Morris of Atlanta, GA, his brother-in-law, Walter Seegmiller and his wife, Juanita of Ormond Beach, three nephews, one niece, and two great-nephews. Percy, who dearly loved First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, recently wrote these words: ""Finally, my life has been filled with more happiness than one man has a right to expect"" The First United Methodist Church has given me a host of friends, and was the instrument whereby I met Elizabeth, my wife. Elizabeth showed our family the true meaning of selflessness and devotion. Our two children have been unfailing in their love of us and have never failed to show it. This is close to having heaven on earth as it is possible to have."" Visitation will be Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, in lieu of flowers. Service: 03/14/2012 First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL First United Methodist Church Visitation: 03/14/2012 First United Methodist Church