Morris Flurry Goodrich

Morris Flurry Goodrich was born on December 23, 1938, at the family home in Doyle, Oklahoma to Byrle Eugene Goodrich and Doris (Flurry) Goodrich. He entered heaven on July 30, 2023, in the presence of his loving daughter, Lisa Rice.

Services will be held at Whitt Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Matt Henderson officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home/Oakcrest Cremation Center.

Morris graduated from Doyle High School in 1956 in a class of 6. He continued his education at Cameron Junior College from 1956 through 1957 where he played basketball. Morris transferred to East Central University in 1958 where he played baseball for one year and basketball for three years; and was captain of the basketball team his junior and senior years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a major in Mathematics in 1961; a Master of Education degree in Guidance & Counseling in 1964 from ECU; and 19 hours toward a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

He coached basketball and taught mathematics, woodworking, and welding at McLish High School and later moved to Duncan High School where he was the boy's high school counselor; senior sponsor chairman; and taught mathematics and algebra. In 1966, Morris joined Stephens County Community Action as Executive Director. He held management positions in numerous governmental agencies in the state of Oklahoma throughout his career until his retirement as Industrial Coordinator at Red River Technology Center in 2010. In March of 2023, Morris was inducted into the National Technology Honor Society at RRTC.

Morris inherited a lifelong love of farming and ranching from his father, Byrle, and raised Limousin and later Angus cattle at his Summerhill Ranch at Lake Fuqua until his death. He was a member of the Oklahoma Limousin Breeder's Association having been recognized as Newcomer Rancher of the Year in 2001 and he served on the OLBA Board of Directors as Treasurer for four years. He also was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Duncan. While having many interests, his greatest joy in life was his family.

Morris is survived by daughters: Lyn Davis (Robert) of Crowley, Texas, and Lisa Rice (Don) of Duncan; and sons, Marcus Goodrich of Duncan, and Greg Goodrich. He was lovingly known as "Pa" to grandsons Drew Graham (Samah) of Austin, Texas; Tyler Rice of Duncan, OK; Michael Rice (Allison) of Blanchard, OK; Steve Rice (Kim) of Edmond, OK; and Brad Rice of Edmond, OK, and great-grandchildren Owen Michael Rice, Joelle Kae Rice (expected to arrive in August), Jaeley Rice, Jaxon Rice, Avery Rice, Everett Rice, and Ruby Rice. Morris is also survived by sister Karen Spivey (Terry) of Foster, OK; and bonus sister Novalene "Novie" Goodrich Snodgrass of Foster, OK.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Byrle and Doris Goodrich; brothers: Gene Goodrich, Lyle Goodrich, Terry Goodrich, and Gary Goodrich; and sister Velda Griffin.

Honorary pallbearers: Marcus Goodrich, Don Rice, Robert Davis, Drew Graham, Tyler Rice, Michael Rice, Dale Goodrich, Kevin Gray, and Tony Carter.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional, compassionate, loving care provided by dad's caregivers at Wilkins Nursing Home. You were a special blessing to him and our family. Also, special thanks to Tony, Melanie, and Tyler Wilkins for your outstanding leadership, genuine love and concern, and treasured friendship to dad and our family. May God richly bless you all!

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or to a worthy charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.

 

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