By his own account, Patrick Wayne Morris predicted that his children and grandchildren would always remember him by an expression that he quoted liberally to them as they were all growing up: "'Can't' never got anything done."
He used it to maximum effect as a form of encouragement as well as a challenge, and it has produced more water-skiers, fishermen, and full-on daredevils in general than you could ever imagine.
His fearlessness was only exceeded by his faithfulness and there was nothing that he thought was impossible: it was just a matter of asking the right questions and being persistent in finding the correct answers.
There was no space in his nature for the concept of giving up. Never have the concepts of "can't" and "never giving up" had the piercing impact that they have had since Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022 when, very unexpectedly, we lost him.
He departed this world in the same way that he had lived in it: with a quiet dignity, an unwavering determination, an absolute love and loyalty for his wife, children, grandchildren and friends, and with a resolute faith in God.
After retiring from a 25- year career with FedEx, he continued to serve as the Chairman of the Board of the FedEx Employees Credit Association and very much enjoyed remaining engaged with the company in that capacity, and he cherished the friendships that he made at FedEx both while he was actively employed there as well as during his retirement.
He also served on the board of Agricenter International and was dedicated to its commitment to research, education, and conservation.
Wayne leaves behind a loving wife of 57 years, Janette; his daughter, Toni Morris Halle (David); a son, Patrick Wayne Morris,Jr. (Tracey); grandchildren Peyton Halle, David Halle Ill, Meloney Morris, and Mason Morris. He was preceeded by a loving grandson, Collin Morris, who passed away in 2014. Local survivors include his brother, Joseph Michael Morris, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the Catholic Church of the Incarnation, 360 Bray Station Road, Collierville, TN 38017.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. with the Mass following at 11.
Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
