David Benson Morris

David Benson Morris, of Abilene, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Abilene Regional Medical Center. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 4:30 pm on Sunday, January 28th, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Randy Turner of Beltway Park officiating. A visitation will follow the service at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robby Morris, 5 Augusta Drive. David Benson Morris was born at Hendrick Hospital to Gaye and Jerry Morris on November 23, 1964. He attended Taylor Elementary and graduated from Wylie High School. David was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 18 months old. He didn't let it slow him down as he kept up pretty well with his two older brothers and neighborhood kids. They would either carry him, push him, or he would find a way. David went through surgeries and lots of physical therapy, first to learn to crawl and then he learned to walk with a cane. Later he gained the ultimate independence and received his driver's license. David was so proud of his little black Chevy as he, his good friend Mike, and George Straight drove all around Abilene. One of David's favorite memories was being the manager of the Wylie Football team. He was excited because he got to travel and be one of the team. He also enjoyed being around the pretty cheerleaders as he was quite a flirt with his pretty blue eyes and million-dollar smile. David had lots of cheerleaders in his life. His grandfather, Charlie Morris, was one if his loudest. By the time David was 10 years old Charles Allen Morris, "Charlie" had been chairman for 15 out 18 years for the 'Roundup for Rehab' for the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. Charlie always had a glimmer in his eye when he looked at David that was full of undeniable love and pride. The staff at the Rehab, when David was growing up, went the extra mile to help David stay interested in therapy. It was a tough job, but they were able to accomplish mountains and keep him going! He also loved being active by trying new sports like snow skiing. He was able to accomplish this by using little skis on his poles. David wasn't afraid of falling down, it had always been a part of his life. He would just get up and go again. His mother, Gaye Morris, was the stronghold in his life until her passing. She as the one that encouraged all the extracurricular activities and with her two sons, Dale and Robby to help, she could get David around the slopes and anywhere else he wanted to go. If he wasn't able by himself, his two brothers scooped him up and carried him until he could do it on his own. They were a good team. David enjoyed swimming, as his upper body was extremely strong. He liked showing off how good he was in the water. He was a shaggy, white hair, tan beach bum looking kind of guy and could swim up a storm. He enjoyed watching his brothers ignore his mother's rules around the pool and jump off the pool house and put him and bubbles in the hot tub until he could hardly be seen any more. All you could hear was his laughter. After graduating high school, David attended McMurry University and, also worked for the family company JM Cattle Company keeping books. David attended Hillcrest Church of Christ during childhood with his family; he later attended Southern Hills Church of Christ. The past several years David had been living at Southern Meadows in Abilene and was lovingly cared for by Addie Guerra and her staff. He had a love for God and is by His side now and forever. Praise God. David was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Eldon and Evalee Roberts, his paternal grandparents, Charlie and Lynnis Morris, his father, Jerry Dale Morris,Sr. and his loving mother, Gaye Morris. David is survived by his brothers, Dale Morris and his wife Carol, Robby Morris and his wife, Deana, both of Abilene; David's nephews, Casey Morris and fiancée Caroline Cleveland, Marshall Morris and wife Melanie, both of Abilene, Travis Morris of Austin, and Trent Morris and wife Audrey of Fort Worth; and niece, Charlee Ann Templeton and her husband Addison of Abilene. David enjoyed his great-nieces and great-nephews: Laney, Brooks, and Parker Morris, along with Tatum and Cope Templeton. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Hospice of the Big Country and the Nursing staff at Abilene Regional Medical Center that helped care for David. Memorial gifts may be given to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605; or charity of your choice.