Wayne O'Neil Morris

Wayne O’Neil Morris, of Queenstown, Maryland, died unexpectedly on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at his residence. He was 84 years old. Wayne was born on October 25, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of the late Catherine Shiflett Morris and Ralph Morris. He grew up in Sparrows Point and Edgemere and spent some summers in Charlottesville, Virginia. Wayne graduated from Sparrows Point High School in 1959 and was awarded a scholarship in the American Field Service International Program where he lived in Germany the summer before his senior year. He spoke a lot about his overseas experience and his German family. He was invited many times to share his experiences at Rotary Club meetings. During high school, Wayne was voted “Most Athletic” by his senior class. He absolutely loved any sport but was especially fond of soccer, basketball and baseball since he played all three at the Varsity level. He was granted the opportunity to play baseball in New Jersey as a step toward semi-pro competition. He attended try-outs for the Pittsburgh Pirates but the lack of speed on his infield throws resulted in an unsuccessful attempt. After high school, he attended the University of Maryland on a baseball scholarship. After one year of playing for the Terrapins, he was unsure of which course of study to pursue. So, he decided to postpone another level of higher education until he had decided on a career choice. He joined the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1960 where he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan as a radio operator. Wayne spoke highly of his military years and respected any active military or veteran for their dedication and service to the Unites States of America. After his honorable discharge from the USAF in 1964, Wayne decided to pursue his passion for sports and become a physical education teacher. He graduated from Towson State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education followed by a Master’s degree from Morgan State University. He worked as a physical education teacher at Riviera Beach Elementary School in Pasadena, MD and Central Middle School in Edgewater, MD. He retired in 2001 with 36 years of service with the Anne Arundel County Public School System. Wayne also worked for Anne Arundel Country Department of Recreation for several years overseeing volleyball and basketball “drop-in” nights. On October 30, 1964, Wayne met the love of his life, Mary Patricia Dewling and they married in 1967. Wayne and Pat lived in Riviera Beach, Pasadena, MD for 23 years where they raised their two daughters. In 1993, they made the move to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a dream come true for Wayne. Wayne enjoyed crabbing, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He liked attending crab feasts, bull roasts, festivals, picking strawberries and meeting with friends at the local VFW, American Legion and Moose Lodge. He loved watching his favorite Baltimore sport teams, the Orioles and Ravens. Wayne was a dedicated cashier at the Bennett Point Store for 30 years where he loved interacting with the customers and meeting with the coffee crew. Wayne will be missed by many. He will be remembered as a wonderful man with an easy-going demeanor and friendly smile. He influenced so many people during his work career and his personal life. Wayne was always willing to listen and chat with anyone for a few minutes. Wayne’s family will miss him the most. He was a devoted and loving husband to Pat and very gracious to have her navigate life with him. He was a supportive and loving father to both of his daughters. He coached softball teams, attended various school activities and provided encouragement to them throughout his life. Wayne absolutely adored all four of his grandchildren. He supported them in any activity and always attended any sporting event, band recital, award ceremony or graduation. Wayne was so very proud of each one of them and was not shy about telling others about their accomplishments. Wayne leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Patricia; his daughter Natalie Gunn and her husband, Doug of Queenstown, MD; and his daughter, Cynthia Cunningham of Arnold, MD. He was a grandfather to Stephen Cunningham of Pasadena, MD; Morgan Gunn of Baltimore, MD; Kevin Cunningham of Arnold, MD and Carson Gunn of Queenstown, MD. Wayne is also survived by his sister, Delores Morris of White Marsh, MD who he loved and respected throughout his entire life. Visitation will be on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 1:00 PM -2:00 PM and a Memorial Celebration at 2:00 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, Chester, MD. In remembrance of Wayne’s life, the family asks that any donations be made to your favorite charity.

Wayne O'Neil Morris

October 25, 1941 - November 9, 2025