Tim Morris Obituary

Tim G. Morris, 87, went home to be with the Lord on August 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of vibrant art and unwavering faith. Born in Tulare, California, on December 25, 1937, to the late Floyd and Inez

Morris, Tim discovered his artistic calling early in life, dedicating his talent to creating works that reflected the beauty of God’s creation and the hope found in Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister, Geraldean Lindsay.

Tim is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Jane Ann Morris of Conway, Arkansas, and their two children, Tamara Kent (David), and Todd Morris (Sharon). He leaves behind an invaluable heritage in his four grandchildren: Alexandra Kelley, Will Morris (Shelby), Jacob Kelley, Abigail Morris, and two great-grandchildren: Kason Holmes and Sawyer Morris.

A man dedicated to living a life full of exploration, new experiences, and close friendships, Tim was a graduate of Vernon High School (Vernon, Texas) and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bob Jones University (Greenville, SC) where he was instrumental in the art production and set design for three full-length motion pictures: “Red Runs the River,” Flame in the Wind,” and “Sheffey.” After accepting a teaching position at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in 1972, Tim moved his family to Conway, where he taught in the UCA Art Department for 18 years. Quickly establishing himself as one of Conway’s most talented and sought-after applied design artists, he shared his gifts with the community through many notable artistic projects, which included: the annual Toad Suck Daze mural on Front Street which he painted for 18 years; the Good Shepherd mural in the chapel at the Conway Human Development Center; and various other mural projects throughout the city.

Tim’s artistic passion and boundless joy were also on full display at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, where he served on the Mansion Association Board of Directors during the administrations of Governors Mike Huckabee and Asa Hutchinson. A beloved member of the Mansion Association, Tim was considered the Mansion’s “artist extraordinaire,” capturing the vision of each Mansion Administrator and First Lady to create and design exquisite Christmas scenes in the Janet Huckabee Grand Hall, as well as the countless expressions of his signature artwork displayed throughout the Mansion. Two of Tim’s most notable works at the Mansion are his Arkansas Traveler paintings, which he painted at the request of former First Lady Janet Huckabee. For Tim, serving at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion was a sincere labor of love -- for his fellow Mansion Association Directors, the Governors and First Ladies he served, and the people of Arkansas.

Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Tim was a man of deep faith. He saw God’s handiwork in every brushstroke of a sunset and every intricate detail of the human form. His faith was a guiding light, especially during challenges, and his art often expressed his unwavering trust in God’s plan.

While Tim’s absence leaves a painful void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, we know this separation is only temporary. We will see him again soon - all to the praise of His glorious grace!

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

I Thessalonians 4:13-14

A celebration of Tim’s life and homegoing will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 3333 Dave Ward Dr., Conway. Memorial donations in Tim’s honor may be made to the John and Ola Hawks Senior Wellness & Activity Center in Conway, AR.