Ronald Wallace Morris

Ronald Wallace Morris, of Manassas Park, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2023, at the age of 87. Ron was born in Woodbury, New Jersey on March 10,1936 to Dorothy E. (Meyers) Morris and Wallace T. Morris. Ron honorably served his country for eight years as a member of the National Guard, as well as serving active duty in the United States Army. After accepting a job with Capitol Airlines, Ron moved from New Jersey to Virginia. Here he met the love of his life, Joan Nancy Panico. Ron and Joan were married for 58 wonderful years and were the beloved parents of two daughters, Jodie and Julie. Ron and Joan loved to travel and enjoyed cruising with their many life long friends and family members. Ron was an avid sports fan and this passion was carried into his career as a sports writer and editor for the Alexandria Gazette Newspaper. Ron covered a myriad of sports teams including all Northern Virginia local high schools. He was not biased in his diligent coverage of the sports events and the local youth and was exceptionally inclusive of minorities - even during times of racial tensions. His coverages and stories included the games, athletes and coaches from George Washington, Francis C. Hammond and T.C. Williams High Schools. His writings are part of the history that eventually became the story behind the movie Remember the Titans. Ron was a dedicated Washington Redskins fan and a season ticket holder for over 50 years. He also very much enjoyed attending Washington Nationals games where he often times relished sitting in Diamond Club seating. Ron was a proud member of the Virginia Jaycees where he served as President of the Alexandria chapter. In this capacity, he was an active supporter and volunteer for the Special Olympics. Ron is preceded in death by his loving wife, Joan (Panico) Morris. He is survived by his daughters Jodie L. Hunter (Ronald) and Julie A. Morris; three grandchildren - Krista R. Edwards (Brandon), Matthew W. Dyke and Kayla M. Dyke; and two great grandchildren Sydney M. Edwards and Cole J. Edwards. Celebration of life services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas on May 5, 2023. The family will welcome guests beginning at 10:00 a.m. with the service commencing at 10:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Quantico National Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers the family request a donation be made to Meals on Wheels to help elderly in need. https://give.mealsonwheelsamerica.org

Ronald Wallace Morris

March 10, 1936 - April 22, 2023