| | David A. Morris Sr. 
HAINES CITY -- Mr. David A. Morris Sr., the owner of Byrd Groves Inc., died of leukemia Saturday (Sept. 23, 2006). He was 61.
Born Jan. 18, 1945, in Winter Haven, Mr. Morris was a lifelong resident of this area.
When his mother died, his uncle and aunt, R.W. and Eva Byrd, adopted him.
"He was only 8," said his son, David Morris Jr. "They really loved him."
Mr. Morris' adoptive parents owned Byrd Groves Inc., the citrus-growing company they eventually passed on to him. Knowing that he was expected to take over the family business kept him in Haines City.
"He loved this area," his son said.
In 1985, Mr. Morris officially became its owner and ran the business with a hands-on approach.
"He would come out and help drive tractors," his son said.
Under his ownership, Mr. Morris helped the business grow to 400 acres of orange and grapefruit trees. He expanded it to include cattle sales.
Mr. Morris was a member of the Central Florida Airboat Association and National Wild Turkey Federation. He was a Baptist.
Mr. Morris is survived by his wife, Shirley Morris, Haines City; sons, David A. Morris Jr., Haines City, Robert W. Morris, Davenport; sister, Margie M. Ennis, Winter Haven; six grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City. Services will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823.
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