It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frederick Roland Morrell on July 14, 2021. He was 88.
Fred was born on December 6, 1932, in Port Chester, New York, to the late Roland and Beatrice Morrell. He spent his childhood years in Greenwich, Connecticut and graduated from Greenwich High School in 1950. After high school graduation Fred was proud to serve our country for two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Fred then briefly attended New York University before completing a degree in engineering at the University of Connecticut in 1961. Following college graduation Fred and his wife Judy moved to the Hampton Roads area where they have resided for 60 years.
Fred worked at NASA for 40 years, garnering many memorable accomplishments before finally retiring in 2001. He later said, "I missed it as soon as I walked out the door." Though he continued to work for several years in retirement at a technology consulting firm, he began to slow down and truly enjoy the well-deserved fruits of his labor.
Unbeknown to many who knew him – an endearing testament to his sense of humility – Fred honored the Lord through service in the Gideons International from the late 1960's until late 2020 in a variety of leadership roles. He was out, rain or shine, participating in prison ministry or placing Holy Bibles in hotel and motel rooms. He also took great joy in ministering to church congregations of all types about the worldwide Christian mission of Gideons International.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents Roland and Beatrice Morrell of Greenwich, CT; his two sisters, Corinne Morrell Conway (Gene) and Jean Lois Morrell also of Greenwich; and his eldest daughter, Gayle Morrell Braley (Phil), who sadly passed in 2014.
Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Judith Bolles Morrell; a daughter, Kathleen Morrell O'Sullivan (Timothy) of Ossian, Indiana; two sons, Mike Morrell (Angela) of Richmond, VA, and Mark Morrell (Sonja) of Suffolk, VA; and nine loving grandchildren: Patrick, Katelyn, Laura, Caleb, Greysen, Britni, Ashley, Grace, and Ryan.
Fred was an avid Bible scholar. He also loved spending time with his family and enjoyed watching both the New York and San Francisco Giants. Most importantly, Fred loved his Savior Jesus Christ. In their golden years Fred and Judy enjoyed vacationing in destinations all over the globe.
Fred will be missed by many.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 18, 2021 from 12 Noon to 2:00 PM, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A private funeral service and burial will follow. In lieu of flowers please direct all gifts to Gideon's International, PO Box 6373, Newport News, VA, 23606.
Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.