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• MORRISON, Henry Ray died August 12, 2012

Henry 'Ray' Morrison, DDS, died peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, at his home surrounded by his attentive and loving family and caregivers. Following the discovery of an inoperable brain tumor, he faced the end of his life with bravery and dignity. Ray was a member of the 'Greatest Generation' who started life during the Great Depression and spent his early years on a farm in Oak Grove, MO, with a wonderful, loving family. With natural athletic prowess, he excelled in high school sports. Ray attended Kansas City University (now UMKC) and his initial intentions were to become an attorney. However, his best friend Bob Newton, DDS convinced him to consider the Dental profession. Sage advice, since Ray developed a thriving Dental practice in Independence, MO, bringing countless smiles to all his patients during his 38- year career. It was this career that allowed Ray to fulfill his desire to give back to the community. He provided free expert Dental care to countless children at Spofford Home and Drumm Farm. Ray's efforts to improve his community also included his Masonic service, his membership and leadership in Kiwanis in the 1970s, serving on the Independence School Board in the late 1970s, host Father for foreign exchange students, and duties as a member of the Board of Drumm Farm. Ray also gave back to his country serving in the Naval Reserve in the late 1940s and in the Army in the late 1950s and early 1960s, retiring with the rank of Army Captain. After meeting Lois while both were in high school, they enjoyed an ensuing 58 years of a loving marriage. Ray and Lois created a loving family with two sons, H. Ross Morrison, DDS and Bob Morrison, MD. Those sons shared the joy of a loving family with their wives, Dena and Lea. Ray and Lois were then blessed with beautiful, talented and loving grandchildren; with Ross and Dena raising Drew, Elizabeth and Janie, and Bob and Lea raising Kurt. Henry Ray Morrison's name will live on in his grandsons (Henry Drew and Kurtis Ray) just as it has in his sons (Henry Ross and Robert Ray). Family was so important to Ray. As one of eight children, holidays through the years became joyous gatherings of large groups of family members sharing love and fellowship. The loss of his parents Henry and Mary Morrison, and some of his siblings (older brothers Jack Morrison and Lee Morrison, older sister June Harrison and younger sister Ann Grayum) over the years inspired Ray to cherish his relationship with his remaining family. In his later years he spent much time with his sisters, Jean Baker and Gertie Lowe, sister-in-law, Margie Morrison and brother-in-law, Dick Lowe, as well as his numerous nieces, nephews and their children. Though separated by the miles, he also kept in close touch with his younger brother, Charles and his wife Bobbie, brother-in law Walter Grayum, and sister-in-law, Jane Morrison. This importance of family also inspired Ray's extensive exploration into his ancestry from Scotland and Ireland following his retirement. Ray was always an avid reader, especially history. He combined his love of history and his research into the family genealogy to write and publish the book, 'Kitty Karney from Killarney.' A lifelong Methodist, Ray's faith assisted him throughout his life. He taught the Mizpah Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church in Independence, MO, for 17 years. He shared this faith with the entire family each Christmas as he led a song-filled narrative from the Gospel of Luke. He wanted to be sure that the younger generations would not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. The life of Ray proved that the worth of a man is measured in the amount of love he shares with those around him. His impact on this world by his efforts to improve the well being of his family and friends and the community around him will live on in the lives of the people he cared for so dearly. In lieu of flowers, to best honor Ray in a lasting and meaningful way would be to follow his lead in providing for children in our community through memorial donations to Spofford Home (Spofford | 9700 Grandview Road | P.O. Box 9888 | Kansas City, MO 64134- 0888) and Drumm Farm (Drumm Farm | 3210 Lees Summit Rd. | Independence, MO 64055-1998), or a charity of your choice . A casual reception in memory of Ray's life will take place on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012 from 1-4 p.m. at the Woods Chapel Church |4725 NE Lakewood Way | Lee's Summit, MO 64064. A private service for family will be held at another time. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600) S 

Ray was the husband of Lois Allen Johnson, a descendant of Margaret Finley and William Gleaves, Jr.