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Sadly today, August 30, 2008, we lost our biggest cheerleader and BGHS supporter when PELLON MORRIS, our "Commander in Chief" passed away. After spending the past three months recuperating from a massive heart attack on May 11, 2008 and multiple by-pass surgery he lay down on his bed and quietly slipped away. He will be forever remembered by all of our "RAMS" families.
Cecil Pellon Morris Cecil Pellon Morris 84, of Port Charlotte, Florida, died Saturday, August 30, 2008. He was born June 16, 1924 in Philadelphia, Mississippi to Cecil Andrew and Shellye Eunice (Tingle) Morris. Pellon has been a long time resident of Charlotte County moving here in 1970 from Belle Glade, Florida. He was Principal of Charlotte High School from 1970 -1971 and Director of Vocational Education for Charlotte County from 1971-1976. He was involved in many aspects of the community in Charlotte County including former Chairman of the Board of Trustees Edgewater United Methodist Church, on the Board of Directors for His 4 Music Ministry from 1996 - 2004, President of the Salvation Army volunteers for 18 years and recipient of the Brotherhood Man of the Year for the Kiwanis in 1985. He was recipient of the prestigious Others Award from The Salvation Army in 1987. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the United States Jaycees and is a Lifetime Member of the Methodist Men. He has received countless other recognitions for his passion and commitment to volunteerism and education. Pellon was Principal of Belle Glade High School from 1958 - 1970. From 1952 - 1958 he was Principal of South Bay Elementary and Belle Glade Elementary School. While in Palm Beach County, he served as President of the Canal Hazards Safety Committee for Florida. He was President of the Sun Coast Conference. He also was a member of the Florida School Plant Survey Team. He was instrumental in developing family and youth Christian Methodist programs including the Family and Youth camp at LaBelle, Florida. Pellon was a World War II veteran of the United States Army, L Company of the 259th Regiment of the 65th Division. He also served under the 71st, and 94th Divisions. He received the Silver Star and Bronze Star for heroism. He is survived by his three children; Kathy Morris White and husband Troy of Lake Placid, FL, David Morris and wife Sharon of Fort Pierce, FL, and Connie Morris Miller and husband Geoff of Apopka, FL. Six grandchildren; Heather Beato and Wade White, John, Jacob, and Sara Morris and Michael Miller. He is also survived by his sister Dinkey Austin of Philadelphia, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held at the Port Charlotte United Methodist Church, 21075 Quesada Avenue, on Wednesday, September 3, in Port Charlotte, Florida. A viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with the funeral at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at Charlotte Memorial Gardens, 9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda, Florida. In lieu of flowers, friends may choose donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 23084 Seneca Ave, Port Charlotte, Florida or to the Homeless Orphan Outreach Inc., P.O. Box 1370, Lake Placid, Florida, 33862. Arrangements are by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Punta Gorda, FL (941)-639-1171
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Joanne Harris Campana ('68)
I am so sad to hear about Mr. Morris, I have been praying for his recovery. I was so looking forward to seeing him at the reunion. He was so sweet at the last reunion and He told me how good it was to see me, and we took a picture together. I will miss Him, but never forget Him. My prayers are with all the family. Love Joanne Harris CampanaBrenda Buckner (Prescott)
I can remember during our BGHS high school years being so "afraid" of Pellon Morris! I always dreaded walking down the hallways alone when he was walking towards me! My thoughts were..."don't make eye contact, just keep walking"! Invariably he would always call out my name..Buckner!. only to make me jump! Little did I know that over the years we would become very close as he & I worked together to keep our "Rams Family" connected. He, Paul, & Othar Crawford would go hunting in Punta Gorda occasionally & he continually talked about those trips to me. I will miss his calls at Christmas & throughout the year to check up on Paul & I. His dedication to attend our reunions and the funerals of classmates, faculty members, & our parents was inspiring. He made such an impact on all of our lives and was so proud to share the accomplishments of his former students with others. He called me on a Sunday afternoon a few weeks before his death to thank me for keeping everyone informed & to tell us he loved us. As usual he was still in charge. We are all better people for having spent the formative years of our lives with him. Kathy, David, & Connie...thanks for sharing your dad with all of us. Forever our "Leader". Rest in peace.Pam Whitlock Vandegriff ('68)
I have such wonderful memories of Mr. Morris and all the support he gave to ALL of his students at BGHS! Having taught now for 17 years, it is so clear to me what a wonderful, loving, professional man he was to all who worked with him and all of the students he viewed as his own. Kathy, my prayers go out to you and all of your family. Our loss is Heaven's gain.Fondly, Pam Whitlock Vandergriff
Susan Hughes Williamson
He was truly a member of 'the greatest generation'. We will all miss him, but carry with us forever the positive influence he had upon our lives.My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Susan Hughes Williamson
Class of 1969
Carolyn Burns Nehls ('67)
I too will always remember Mr. Morris and being afraid of him when walking down the hall. His influence will live on in all of our children and grandchildren, especially those in the Academic field. I remember many times talking to my daughter Brenda about his attributes. I think she is a great teacher partly because of it. Rest in Peace, Commander in Chief. God Bless Kathy, David and Connie.Carolyn Burns Nehls 67