By Bonita Wilborn
David Larry Morris was born in Scottsboro on April 21, 1952. He graduated from Scottsboro High School (SHS) in 1970. He was the Student Council President and was elected class favorite and best all-around. He was a Wildcat wrestler, captain of the football team, and a member of the National Honor Society. He graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1974.
Morris returned to Scottsboro after college to serve as a teacher at Scottsboro High School. Over the 38 years of his career in education, he taught elementary reading, driver’s ed, several business courses, and co-op. He interacted with countless young people during his time as an educator.
Morris, affectionately known by many as Coach, Morris served SHS as Head Track Coach for eight years, and an Assistant Coach for wrestling for 10 years, but he is most remembered for his time spent on the football field. He served as an Assistant Football Coach from 1971 to 1991. In 1991, Morris became Head Coach of the Wildcats and continued that role until 2004, leading the Wildcats football team to five area/region titles. He became the winningest coach in school history, with a 90-66 record. Coach Morris still holds the longest tenure as SHS Head Football Coach. From 2005 until 2012, Morris worked as the SHS Athletic Director, and in 2010, he was recognized by Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) as the state’s Athletic Director of the Year.
In an interview with another media outlet, Alvin Briggs, AHSAA Executive Director commented, “We are saddened by the passing of Coach Morris. He was a member of the District Legislative Council for 14 years, and a leader on the Central Board from 2007 to 2012. Coach Morris will be missed.”
After retiring from Scottsboro City Schools in 2012, Coach Morris continued pursuing his passion for sports by serving AHSAA as a member of the District Legislative Council and as a leader on the Central Board. He was recognized in 2014 with his induction to Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2012 was honored by becoming a namesake for Scottsboro’s field house.
Coach Morris lived a life of faith and devoted himself to Calvary Baptist Church. He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and on various church committees throughout his life. His favorite hymns were “Beulah Land,” “Precious Lord Take My Hand,” and “Amazing Grace.”
Coach Morris is survived by: Wife – Carol Morris. Daughter – Erin (Jeff) Young. Grandchildren – Blake Young, Taylor Young, Kamden Young, Emily Hancock, Haynes Young, and Benton Young. Sister – Joan (Leroy) Armstrong.
He was preceded in death by: Parents – Jewell Morris and Ruby Johnson Morris.
The family of Coach Morris requested that all former players and coaches meet at the Trammell Stadium 50-yard line at 12:30 PM on Sunday, February 20, for a final team picture.
David Larry Morris, age 69, of Scottsboro, passed away Friday, February 18, 2022. A graveside service was held on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at 3:30 PM from Cedar Hill Cemetery.
