Edwin Lee Morris

Edwin Lee Morris, age 76, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Pinewood Manor in Durham, NC, after a five-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara Downing Morris; his sons Allan Joseph Morris (wife, Deanne) of Atlanta, GA, Rodney Lee Morris (wife, Maura) of Chapel Hill, NC, and Gary Raymond Morris (wife, Lori) of Jupiter, FL; and seven beloved grandchildren: Greyson, Brooks Edwin, Siler, Hannah, Weston, Madison, and Lyla. He is also survived by his siblings Jane Erwin of Chapel Hill, NC, Carol Burke of Mt. Airy, NC, and Jimmy (J.T.) Morris of Charlotte, NC, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Morris.

Born in Charlotte, NC, Ed was the son of Joseph Alvin Morris and Rebecca Griffin Morris Moser. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the UNC School of Medicine. As a dedicated family physician, Ed served the Franklin, NC community for many years, later volunteering at the Community Care Clinic of Franklin. He also earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Union Institute & University and enjoyed teaching at Southwestern Community College.

A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Ed ran the Boston Marathon twice, competed in triathlons, rowed regularly, and completed the Assault on Mt. Mitchell cycling challenge.

In 1988, he founded Franklin Health & Fitness with a vision to build a space that fostered both wellness and community. He went on to establish the Franklin Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, offering safe, structured exercise for heart patients and launched Franklin Physical Therapy—now known as Nantahala Physical Therapy—to further support recovery and long-term health.

Ed had a warm smile and a joyful spirit, especially in the presence of his grandchildren. With them, he loved making s’mores, tossing them into the pool, body surfing at the beach, and building sandcastles. Whether watching the grandkids play football or baseball, wrestle, rock climb, or compete in gymnastics, Ed lit up whenever they were near.

After his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Ed enrolled in a clinical trial in 2021 to help test Leqembi, a new treatment for early Alzheimer’s disease. That drug was approved by the FDA in 2024. Upon his death, Ed’s body was donated to the UNC School of Medicine Body Donation Program, continuing his legacy of supporting education and health care for future generations.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9th, at Pleasant Green United Methodist Church, 3005 Pleasant Green Road, Durham, NC 27705. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Ed’s memory to the Community Care Clinic of Franklin. You may donate online at https://cccfranklin.org/donate, or by mail at 121 Riverview Street, Franklin, NC 28734, or to a charity of your choice.