Age 77 • January 26, 2025
LEESBURG, FL—It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Craig Morris, beloved husband and father to Sharon and George Morris, who passed away on January 26th at the age of seventy-seven.
Craig Stephen Morris was born on February 4, 1947, in Troy, New York to Shirley and George Morris. He grew up in Edison, New Jersey where he formed many lasting relationships with family and friends. In the fall of 1965, Craig started college at the University of Oklahoma but quickly decided to serve his country and joined the US Marine Corps in 1966. Craig served in the 3rd Force Recon as an E4 Corporal in Vietnam for over two years. He earned two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and a Sharpshooter medal, all for his distinguished service. After he returned to the US, he became a life member of the VFW and the 3rd Recon Association.
In 1969, Craig married his high school prom date, Sharon Nahama. They were married for 55 years, and in 1974 they had their son, George. Living in Saratoga Springs, NY, Craig worked for the City Public Works Department from 1975 through 2009. Whether it was driving the snowplow in winter, paving the streets in summer, repairing City Hall, working the front loader (his favorite), or training “the new guys” on the heavy equipment, he took pride in his work. He was a proud member and one-time president of the Civil Service Employees Association. While working as an Animal Control Officer, Craig was known for bringing all types of animals home until their owners were found or until the Morris family decided to adopt them. His love for animals led Craig to be a board member of the Saratoga County Animal Welfare League for many years. Craig loved baseball (Go Yanks) and was a little league coach for George and served as an umpire for many years.
Upon Sharon’s retirement in 2013, Craig and Sharon moved to the Plantation Active Adult Community in Leesburg, Florida where Craig quickly made friends and became a fixture of the community. Known as the unofficial social mayor of the community to many, Craig could be found chatting with residents and others at numerous diners, gas stations, supermarkets, ball games, and other outdoor activities every day of the week. He was an active member and officer for the Plantation Pickleball Association, where he served both as a dedicated player and coach to many. An avid fisherman, Craig could also regularly be found on the Crystal River and in the Gulf of Mexico with a rod in hand.
Craig was a kind and generous soul who could always be counted on to help others in times of need. There was not a person Craig would not talk to or a friend he would not give a hard time to. When asked how he was doing, he would regularly respond “If I was doing any better, I’d be suspicious.” Lighthearted and full of energy, Craig made people happy and brought joy to those with whom he interacted – including the Spring Street Crew and Gavin Park Pickleball Club (that Craig started) in Saratoga Springs, the Plantation Pickleball Association, Donut King, Publix, Winn-Dixie, and other locales throughout Leesburg and Saratoga.
At the time of his passing, Craig had friends from when he was 7 years old to when he was 77. Nobody was a stranger.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Celia & Lawrence Nahama, and sister-like cousin Nancy Demick.
He is survived by his wife Sharon – Leesburg, FL, Son George and son-in-law Brandon Byars – Portland, Ore., Sister Melanie Harris – Tulsa, OK, Nieces Heather Rose, Meaghan Anderson, Cousin-in-law Chester Demick, and very special 2nd cousins Leah Demick and Curt Demick. He also leaves behind his very best little girl Gracie, his adorable dachshund.
A military honors observation to honor Craig will take place in late spring or early next fall at The Plantation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter in Craig’s memory.
