Stephen M. Morris

Stephen M. Morris, 77, of Bluffton, SC and formerly of Reston, VA, died August 25, 2015 surrounded by family at Hospice of Charleston in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Mr. Morris was born February 3, 1938, in New York, New York, the son of the late Lester Jay and Gladys Newman Morris. After completing high school, Mr. Morris attended Alfred University, graduating with a degree in ceramic engineering. He served in the Army National Guard and, after completing his service, was employed by IBM in New York and, later Manassas, VA. Projects of note include development of the tiles later used to protect space craft from burning up upon re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. In the early 1970's his interest in finance led him to the fledgling Financial Planning field where he became one of the first Certified Financial Planners to graduate from the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Co. Later he was a curriculum advisor and wrote a weekly column for the Reston Times and hosted a cable TV show on money management. Steve was a frequent speaker on financial planning topics nationally at CFP meetings and in Washington, DC for the American Association of Individual Investors. Later roles include, 401-k implementation and management for the National Automobile Dealers Association, benefit plan management at Freddie Mac, MacLean, VA and the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC. In retirement Steve continued a small consulting practice and moved to Bluffton, SC. He studied and earned certification from the Gemological Institute. But, of all his accomplishments, none made him prouder then his writing. Under the pen name of "Uncle Steve" he published three books containing collections: Catwhiskers, Winnies Story and Poems. Steve is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sherry, children Andrew and Jonathan, Step-children Katie and Andrew, Sister Elizabeth (Beth) and nine grandchildren. Services will be held at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910 on Thursday, August 27, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations should be directed to Curtis Yarlott, Executive Director, St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004-1001, as a memorial donation from Stephen M. Morris. Services will be held at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910 on Thursday, August 27, at 3 p.m.