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Randy Morrison
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December 24, 2014
Randall Edward Morrison (Randy) passed away suddenly on December 24, 2014 in Neskowin, Oregon. The world is dimmer without his bright smile and loving personality. Randy is survived by his wife Julie Sharpe of Tifton, Ga.; daughter Kristin Morrison (Drew Edwards) of Healdsburg, Calif.; and sons Nick Morrison of Atlanta, Alex Morrison of Athens, Ga., Camden Lowrance (Larissa Arrais) of Brasilia, Brazil, and Morgan Lowrance of Sarasota, Fla. Randy is also survived by his father, Richard Morrison of Tifton; sister Linda Morrison (Bruce Shipman) of Oakland, Calif., nephews Brian Shipman (Mary), Evan Shipman, and niece Sarah; brother Scott Morrison (Jan) of Holland, Mich., nieces Jennifer Dykstra (Glenn), Michelle Toothman (David), and Marie Morrison; sister Susan Lange (Larry) of Lexington, Virginia, nieces Lindsay and Sydney. Randy also leaves behind an extended family who considered him their son: Julian and Barbara Sharpe of Warner Robins, Ga.; sister-in-law, Toni Sharpe Barker (Kerry), nephews Brendan and Noah, and sister-in-law Krista Sharpe. Randy was predeceased by his mother Betty Engel Morrison and brother-in-law Tim Sharpe. He also is survived by three pets who adored him, Scully, Robo and Megatron.
Randy was born on February 22, 1957 in Oak Park, Ill., and was a 1975 graduate of Kathleen Senior High in Lakeland, Fla. He earned a BS and MA from Florida State University, where he was a proud trombone player in the Marching Chiefs band. Randy also holds a six-year Education Specialist in educational administration from the University of Georgia. Randy began his 32 years in education as a teacher of high school students with special needs in Walton County. He then started his long career with the Oconee County School System as a high school teacher; was the Curriculum Director for secondary programs, Assistant Principal at Malcom Bridge Elementary School; Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; and then Assistant Superintendent of Finance. He retired from Oconee County School System in 2013 and became Director of Finance for Sharpe Solutions in June 2013.
Randy was an Eagle Scout and had fond memories of trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. As a young boy he loved traveling with his grandparents to the West to collect rocks and minerals. Rock collecting was a lifelong passion, and he won Julie's heart forever on their second date when he proudly showed her his rock collection.
Randy was always the first person to jump in and provide help, no matter the situation. He was a volunteer for his children's schools and the North Oconee High School swim team and cross-country team. He served as the President of the Fernwood Neighborhood Association. He volunteered for the Wiregrass Farmers Market in Tifton.
He was an extraordinary public servant for the Oconee County School System and leaves behind many close friends and colleagues in Oconee. When students misbehaved, instead of paddling them, "Mr. Morrison" would have them plant flowers. He was an Oconee County FFA supporter and was honored by them for his service.
The lessons and values he learned in the Boy Scouts stayed with him throughout his life: He was always prepared for anything and everything, and made preparations and solved problems every day for his immediate and extended family. Family was at all times first in his heart. His was not just a father to his children, but a best friend who offered unconditional love and support at all times. He was dependable, accountable, and a constantly patient giver of his time and experience. As much as he loved collecting rocks, he ultimately became the "rock" for all of his many family members and close friends, often breaking tension or bringing smiles to their faces with his abundance of puns, some funnier than others, but always effective when delivered with a warm, loving and knowing smile.
He was an avid fan of the Florida State Seminoles, and loved the outdoors, where he would display his expertise in tying knots and building fires while he camped with Julie and their family during travels across the country.
He and Julie dreamed of retiring on the beach in Oregon, and they purchased their beautiful, one-of-a-kind beach home in Neskowin just in the last year. His dreams of retiring to Neskowin were cut short on the night before Christmas, but not before one final, peaceful walk on the beach with Julie and Scully, where remnants of his beautiful spirit and energy will linger forever.
A memorial celebration of Randy's life will be January 10, 2015, in Tifton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory to Wiregrass Farmer's Market; P.O. Box 444; Tifton, GA 31793. Condolences may be sent to the family at 1604 Murray Ave., Tifton, GA 31794.
Arrangements by Pacific View Memorial Chapel, Lincoln City, Oregon.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/onlineathens/obituary.aspx?n=Randy-Morrison&pid=173717974#sthash.O4MyTBC5.dpuf
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