LANCASTER—Frederick Weldon Morris, 60, of Lancaster, formerly of Mathews, passed away suddenly on January 13, 2023. He was born on November 8, 1962, in Paris, France, to Benjamin and Eva Morris.
Fred graduated from Denbigh High School in 1981 and attended The Apprentice School and was one of approximately 10,000 students to ever graduate. He played on the football and track teams.
His 40-year career with the Newport News Shipyard started with him becoming a pipefitter and welder. He then worked his way up to production planning with expertise in structural planning, sheet metal and acoustics-insulation-paint. Fred had 15 years of waterfront experience which included new hull construction on carriers and submarines. He was a supervisor for three years. Just this past year we celebrated his 40 years of service and he became a Master Shipbuilder on September 13, 2022. His title was “Production Planning and Scheduler 111.” Fred was loved by many at the shipyard and he will be greatly missed.
His hobbies were fishing…fishing and more fishing. He mostly loved to catch catfish and just being on the water or watching the beautiful sunsets with Brenda at “The Perfect View.” He also loved the Redskins and UVA. Fred was either happy during the game or TV off!
Fred is survived by his loving companion, Brenda Jackson; her children, Travis Eugene Norris and Justin Tyler Norris (Lauren); his adoring grandson, Landon James Norris, who called him “Paka,” which is Dutch for grandfather, and special friends, Dr. and Mrs. Carlton Cheeley and Claire. He is also survived by Brenda’s immediate family; his mother, Eva Morris, whom he loved dearly; three children; four grandchildren; a sister and numerous special cousins, especially those in Louisiana.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 811 Belmont Creek Road, Lancaster.
In lieu of flowers, a fund will be established by March 1, 2023, to Master Shipbuilder, Frederick W. Morris Apprentice School Student Fund, 4101 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607. This fund will provide funding for young men and women to apply at the Apprentice School. The shipyard was Fred’s family and he would be proud to know that he would be helping others to fulfill their dreams.
