Drewry Hampton Morris IV

Drewry Hampton Morris IV, age 79, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away peacefully in Atlanta, Georgia on March 7, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15th at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Auburn. Burial will follow at Town Creek Cemetery with Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika directing.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Mr. Morris was born on June 6, 1945, in New York City to Drewry Hampton Morris III and Pallie Brown Morris. Drewry "Hamp" Morris grew up in Geneva, Alabama, where he spent many happy years. At a young age, he discovered his love of the French language.

Hamp obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree at Davidson College before continuing to Yale University, where he earned a Master of Arts. He received a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. D. H. Morris accepted his first teaching position at Auburn University in 1971, where he eventually retired in 2013. For more than four decades, the professor shared his excitement and passion for the French language and French history with thousands of students. Over the years, students often referenced his class as their favorite during their time at Auburn, citing that "he made learning fun."

Hamp met his wife, Karen Russell Morris, at Auburn University. They were married at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Church in Auburn on April 25, 1981. They welcomed Casey, their first child, into the world, followed by Courtney and Drew.

A loving father, Hamp was always there for his children, whether helping with homework or a school project or attending a recital or sporting event. He had a close bond with each of his children, which carried into their adulthood, and he meant the world to them.

Hamp enjoyed travel, was a gifted storyteller, a thoughtful writer, and a talented musician. His wonderful laugh could light up a room. He was friendly to everyone he met and often helpful to complete strangers.

He will be fondly remembered by many as one of the kindest, most gentle souls, with nothing but love in his heart.

Hamp is survived by his three children: Casey Morris, Courtney Morris Wesson, and Drewry Hampton Morris V (Elizabeth); his grandchildren, Mathew Wesson, Adelaide Morris, and Drewry Hampton Morris VI; and his sister, Janet Smith.

Hamp was preceded in death by his father, Drewry Hampton Morris III, his mother, Pallie Brown Morris, and his wife, Karen Russell Morris.