Morris Eller, beloved father, former FBI agent, and WWII veteran, died peacefully at home on May 8, 2022, surrounded by his devoted family. He was just 10 days shy of his 98th birthday.
Morris was born on May 17th, 1924, in the tiny mountain community of Lansing N.C., the son of the late Edwin and Ethel Eller of Ashe County. He was the oldest of three children and is predeceased by his two sisters, Daphne Leonard and Laura Nan Wasserman.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Morris departed for military training on the same day as his father. He trained as a bombardier, serving on B-17s, in the Army Air Corp. Prior to that, Morris attended Mars Hill College.
Upon returning from the war, he graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and remained an avid, lifelong Tar Heel fan, declaring, “I'm a Tar Heel born, and a Tar Heel bred, and when I die, I'm a Tar Heel dead.”
Morris joined the FBI in 1950 and served as a Special Agent for 29 years. He was assigned to the NYC office where he was involved with cold war espionage. During this time he met his wife, Marilou, and the mother of his four children: Roxanne, Todd, Greg, and Tracey. Later, Morris' duties led him to Cleveland, Ohio, where the family lived happily for 10 years until 1974, when the family moved to Winston-Salem, NC.
In retirement, Morris worked at Northpoint Security engaging in private eye work. He believed in the importance of community service, and volunteering was a big part of his life. He loved working the Crosby Golf Tournaments and later spent time volunteering at Forsyth Hospital, where he met many wonderful friends. He was a longtime member of the Mt Tabor United Methodist Church and treasured his time with his Sunday school class.
Morris was a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his family and at his mountain house in Ashe County. He loved to "sing" old hymns, particularly, How Great Thou Art, The Old Rugged Cross, and Amazing Grace. He also never tired of telling old Eller stories and keeping the family history alive.
Morris was blessed with longevity and health and lived alone until a few months before his passing.
Morris is survived by his four children: Roxanne Foster, Todd Eller, Greg Eller (Mary Ann Eller) and Tracey Eller, along with Ken Halik and Juan Vazquez. Also, six grandchildren: Alexander Eller, Lain Foster, Benjamin Eller, Bridget Foster, Marilou Eller, Jonathan Eller, as well as a host of extended family. He is predeceased by his daughter in law Ruth Eller
Morris' life Celebration will be held at Mt Tabor United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem on Sunday, May 15th at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the nurses at Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Ln, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
Online condolences can be made at www.cumbyfuneral.com. Arrangements by Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point.
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