MORRISON, Robert Reed (Bob)

Arizona Republic (Phoenix AZ) Friday, March 22, 2013 Robert Reed "Bob" Morrison, entered into eternal life March 16th, 2013 at the age of 77, due to complications related to leukemia. Son of Doyne and Opal Morrison, brother of Donald Morrison, born April 8th, 1935 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1953 and married Sue Carolyn Buser that same year. He began his career in auto parts at an early age, working first in his father's auto parts store, then at Tippett's Chevrolet, launching what would become a lifelong calling. He also spent six years in the Indiana National Guard leaving as a sergeant. After stints at Midstates Steel and Wire and R R Donneley's as a purchasing agent, he and his brother started the first Big A Auto Parts store in Indiana in 1967. In 1971 he brought his family to Arizona to own the first of several Big A stores. At various times he owned stores in Glendale, Wickenburg, Youngtown and Show Low. He was held in very high regard by colleagues and competitors alike and was considered an innovator in the auto parts business. Late in life he was called by the Lord to obtain his ordination as a minister and went to work serving the people working at various horse-racing tracks across the United States, primarily Turf Paradise and Prescott Downs. This was perhaps his favorite and most satisfying accomplishment of all. He is predeceased by his father, mother, and brother. Left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy are his wife Sue; son Dan and wife Pam; daughter Beth and her husband Rod Mills. He has eight grandchildren: Doug Morrison and wife Michelle, Danielle Thompson and Andrew, Janie, Nicole, Gabriel and Daniel Mills. He has three great-grandchildren: Zander Morrison, Madison and Marli Thompson. A celebration of life will be held Saturday March 23rd, 2013 at Calvary Chapel on N. Black Canyon Highway at 11:00am. The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful staff of Hospice of Arizona-Peoria In-Patient Unit for their care and concern for Bob in his final hours, as well as for the family. We would also like to thank Dr Coccia for his determination, skill and caring while treating Bob. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob's name to Phoenix Rescue Mission-Changing Lives Center, a charity near and dear to him. Dad, Paw, Grampa-Grampa, we love you forever!