William R. Morrison, III

William Ruel Morrison, III died 6/15/2014 at his home. He was born December 8,1955.

He graduated from Deerfield High School in 1974 and continued to the University of the South graduating with a BA in 1978. Returning to Albany, he restored the Greek revival cottage at 411 Tift over the following two years. He then attended Tulane School of Architecture.

He remained in New Orleans and in 1984 joined an interior design products showroom, soon becoming president and sole owner. He operated the business under the name of Delk & Morrison Inc. the following 25 years.

Acting on a long established love for Turkey and the sea, he sold the business in 2008, purchased a 73 foot wooded sailing yacht and began a tourism and yacht charter business offering cruises along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Summers were spent in Turkey working the charters and winters in Albany. Vacation cruises on the boat were donated numerous times to benefit both local and out of town fundraising venues.

He was a supporter of the American Cancer Society, the Albany Symphony Orchestra and the Albany Museum of Art where he served on the board of directors. His greatest interests were Southern vernacular architecture and 18th century design. However it was in gardening that he discovered his greatest pleasure and he took great pride in the large perennial garden he established at his residence after returning to Albany.

Mr. Morrison was preceded in death by his parents William Ruel, Jr. and Martha D. Morrison and is survived by his life partner of 33 years, James C. Allen.

Services will be private. For those desiring, memorials may be made to the Albany Museum of Art, The Albany Symphony Orchestra or an organization of one's choice.