Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023, in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel

Visitation: 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Jones-Preston Funeral Home

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Robert "Bob" Reagan Morrison who departed this life on December 11, 2023, at the age of 90. He spent his final days at the Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center in Hazard, Kentucky, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, service, and an unwavering love for aviation.

Bob's extraordinary journey began on January 18, 1933, in Lexington, Kentucky, where he was born to Joseph and Evelyn (Gilchrist) Morrison. Raised in a time of great change and resilience during World War II, Bob's family moved to Norfolk, Virginia, and later settled in Paintsville, Kentucky, where his father worked for the C & O Railroad.

From an early age, Bob harbored a passion for flying, obtaining his pilot's license while still in high school. His love for adventure led him to join the Navy in 1951, serving as a diver aboard submarines. His military service took him from California, through the Panama Canal and to the "clearest water," he'd ever seen in Key West, Florida.

After leaving the Navy in 1960, Bob dedicated eight years of his life as a Kentucky State Trooper, upholding the law and ensuring the safety of his community. His commitment to service extended beyond his uniform as he worked in various capacities, including surveying and logging wells and eventually establishing a business alongside his wife and family, to fill and replace fire extinguishers. He dedicated many hours of service to the local community by coordinating on special projects with the fire department, helping to bring the first of its kind life saving tool "The Jaws of Life," to the area.

As the era of cable television dawned, Bob found himself at the forefront of a burgeoning industry. As a cable TV engineer, he traversed the country, from Eastern Kentucky to Oklahoma and eventually into Puerto Rico, and Trinidad, contributing to the growth of this revolutionary technology in the Caribbean. Bob stayed in Puerto Rico for several years; a perfect place for the adventures he loved so much both in the sky and in the sea.

An FAA qualified mechanic, he built his own airplanes, including a Globe Swift and an Ercoupe, flying until the remarkable age of 86. His passion for aviation inspired countless others, including family members who had the privilege of attending airshows with him.

Preceded in death by his dear wife of 69 years, Marietta (Spears) Morrison, his daughter Deborah Johnson, and his son Brian Morrison. Bob is survived by his son Ronald Morrison (wife; Deborah) of Richmond, VA, their children Evelyn "Nicole" McAllister (Husband; Ian) and Benjamin Morrison. Son-in-law Chuck Johnson of Huntington, WV, and his daughter Jessica Mayo (Husband; Nathan) as well as his grandson Bryan Morrison. Additionally, Bob leaves behind a beloved sister, Peggy Brown, and her family who reside in Paintsville. Bob was a proud "Papa" to eight great-grandchildren.

Bob's passing leaves behind a void that will be felt by family, friends, and the community he served. A visitation to celebrate Bob's life will be held at Jones-Preston Funeral Home in Paintsville, KY, starting at noon, followed by a service at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 16, 2023. The compassionate staff at Jones-Preston Funeral Home has been entrusted with assisting the family during this difficult time.

In honor of Bob's lifelong passion for flying and dedication to service, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Bob's memory to Honor Flight Kentucky. Bob's larger than life presence, his passion for service and his love for adventure will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Full military honors will be conducted by Auxier Chapter 18 DAV.

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both Honored and Privileged to be Entrusted with all funeral arrangements for Mr. Robert Morrison.