HomeNewsIn MemoriamReflections on Commissioner Ron Morrison 1945-2016

Reflections on Commissioner Ron Morrison 1945-2016

Ron with long-time friend Nancy Rabb at the 2015 Cattleman's Ball
Ron with long-time friend Nancy Rabb at the 2015 Cattleman’s Ball
Commissioner Ron Morrison (courtesy Austin Statesman.com)

Williamson County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ron Morrison passed away in the early morning hours of September 7 after an illness.

Commissioner Morrison was serving his third term for Precinct 4. He was a lifetime resident of Williamson and Milam Counties and was married to Glenda Morrison for nearly 50 years. They are members of the Round Rock Church of Christ.

Mr. Morrison kept his personal life very private, so many in Williamson County were stunned and saddened to hear the news. All, however, had nothing but high praise for this man of character, hard work, and humanity above all else.

Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Bill Gravell met Mr. Morrison in 1978 when the Judge was just a junior in high school. “Ron Morrison was the first person to help me run for office: Class President. He came up with my first slogan, ‘Give the gavel to Gravell.'”

Judge Gravell said his respect for Mr. Morrison is second only to his own father; there is not a man of greater integrity. “I struggled in school and made some bad choices,” said Gravell. “My counselor said I should take trade school classes because that was the best I would ever be. Ron Morrison was a teacher in those classes and he was the person who grabbed me by the collar and said, ‘You just have to decide to be what you want to be…’ He seconded the motion to appoint me as Justice of the Peace and voted for me.”

Morrison’s stance on crime was well-known, nearly as well as his incredible sense of humor. In 2013, when he announced he would be running for his third term, he told the assembled Republicans, “We are tough on crime [in Williamson County]. If you are charged with a crime and you are convicted, we will see to it that you go to jail for a long time. If you are charged with a crime and found innocent, we will do our best to make sure you at least get probation.”

Pete Correa was Mr. Morrison’s executive assistant in his role as Commissioner, but was also his friend for the past 35 years.

Correa was assistant to the previous commissioner, Frankie Limmer. “He kept me on and it was an honor to work for him. We’ve done some fun things in life and we’ve both done our best for the County; we were a heck of a team.”

He went on to say, “We went through three elections and terms, and I used to tell people when Ron runs, I run too; and a vote against Ron is a vote against Pete.”

Correa shared that Mr. Morrison enjoyed auctioneering for charity. “It was something he did for free as a gift to people. He loved to make people smile and laugh. He always had a joke ready to go, he was a wonderful story-teller and whenever he asked me what to say in a speech, I told him to speak off the cuff; that was really what he was best at.”

Correa said they shared a love of public service, and for now, Mr. Correa plans to stay where he is. “People used to ask me how I could do the job when I got chewed out all the time. I said it was my job to represent the county and make Ron Morrison look good. I loved every minute of it. It is a heartbreaking loss and it hurts real hard, but I gotta be strong for him.”

Congressman Judge John Carter released a statement today, as well. “Erika and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Ron Morrison. There is so much to say about Ron and his commitment to our community. Ron served our country with distinction and was a dedicated servant for the people of Williamson County. A lifelong resident of Round Rock, Ron faithfully served as Commissioner, he was a former teacher, and he tirelessly served the community on many boards and commissions. He led with integrity, wit and most of all passion. He will be greatly missed by many throughout our region. With our deepest sympathies, Erika’s and my thoughts and prayers are with Ron’s wife Glenda and his entire family. God bless them all at this time.”

Williamson County says procedure is to appoint an interim Commissioner to complete Morrison’s term, which Judge Gattis will do after a few weeks consideration.

Judge Dan A. Gattis

“Ron Morrison was a good man and true gentleman who worked very hard to represent the citizens of Precinct 4 in Williamson County and clearly kept their best interests in his heart every day. Never did I have a conversation with Ron that he wasn’t lobbying or promoting some aspect of east Williamson County. His smile and humor will be missed by all of us, and I personally have lost a good friend.”

Lisa Birkman, Commissioner, Pct. 1

Commissioner Ron Morrison will be missed by all that knew him. He was a good man, devoted husband, steady leader and public servant. He had a dry sense of humor and often teased the three lady commissioners for talking so much as he was a man of few, but wise, words. Please join me in praying for his wife, Glenda, his niece, Brooke, and his many friends.

Cynthia Long, Commissioner Pct. 2

Today Williamson County lost a great friend. Ron Morrison’s life was characterized by service. He loved people and loved life. Ron was always ready with an encouraging word and a great story to match. My life and my family’s life has been enriched and blessed because of Ron Morrison.

Valerie Covey, Commissioner Pct. 3

Ron Morrison was a statesman who truly cared about his constituents in Precinct 4.  He was always willing to give of his time and talents, including being an auctioneer to raise funds for multiple causes over the years.  I always enjoyed working with Ron and sitting next two him every Tuesday for the last decade.  His smile, humor, and overall charm will truly be missed by all that knew him; I know I will.   

Latest comment

  • Just learned that I have one less friend. Ron and I taught at RRHS, during the late 70’s. Ron was always on the move doing things and making things happen.