Former City Manager ‘Charlie' Morris dies

Charles “Charlie” Morris, the man that helped lead the City of Alachua into some of its most prosperous years died Friday.  He was 77 years old.

Morris was first hired by the city in 1989 and was selected as City Manager in October 1992.  He retired from the city in September 2000.  It was during Morris’ later years as city manager that economic development in Alachua began to skyrocket, most notably with the building of a massive Dollar General distribution center.

The more than one-million square-foot warehouse and distribution facility would become Morris’ and other city leaders’ legacy.  It also paved the way for other similar projects in the city, which in total brought over 1,000 new jobs to Alachua.

After retiring from the city manager position, Morris stayed close to home, becoming an Alachua area realtor.

Alachua City Manager Traci Cain fondly remembers Morris as the man who had faith in her and promoted her to the Assistant City Manager position.

“He was a great guy who was laid back, family oriented and really cared a lot about the people in the city of Alachua,” she said.

Cain also remembers him as a manager who wanted to avoid over complication, often repeating the phrase, “Keep it simple.”

“Charlie didn’t care much for being behind the desk, but liked to be out around people and checking things out around the city,” said Cain.

One of the most memorable things about Morris, Cain said, was his humor.

“He always had a joke or a story for every situation, and I was always amazed at how Charlie could remember these elaborate tales and retell them at the perfect time,” she said.

Morris was active in the Alachua Lion’s Club of which he served as President for a term.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Morris, four children and 12 grandchildren.