John Skellie Morris

John Skellie Morris died at his home in Leesburg, FL, on Sunday, August 13, 2023. He was 69. A fourth-generation Floridian, Skellie was a beloved teacher and coach in Lake County schools. A graduate of the Class of 1971 at Leesburg High School, where he served as student body president, Skellie was a member of the LHS Yellow Jackets football team that went to the state finals in 1970 and was named to the all-state team as a linebacker. He played football at Maryville College in Tennessee, where he graduated with a degree in political science. During a 40-year career in education, Skellie taught at Mt. Dora, Eustis and Tavares high schools and coached a variety of sports, including football, baseball, golf and softball. He was one of the founding directors of Kids’ College, sponsored by Lake Sumter Community College, and spent more than 20 years working in its summer enrichment programs. Upon retiring, Skellie devoted himself to volunteer work throughout Lake County, offering his services to numerous organizations, including the Leesburg Historical Museum and the Leesburg Partnership. He spent many years as a volunteer during Leesburg Bike Week and also gave tours of the historic Mote-Morris House, which was owned by his family for nearly 80 years and where he lived growing up. In 2021, Skellie was named “Volunteer of the Year” by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Skellie was a devoted fan of the Florida Gators and a longtime football season ticket holder. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. In recent years, he created a popular food blog — “Skellie Eats Everything” — that spotlighted independent restaurants throughout Lake County. Pre-deceased by his parents, R.J. and Georgiana Morris, of Leesburg, Skellie is survived by two brothers – Bob Morris (Debbie), of Winter Park, FL; and Danny Morris (Nancy), of Yalaha, FL – and a sister, Carol Ann Smith (Pen), of Pittman, FL, along with six nieces and nephews, and seven grandnieces and grandnephews. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on September 17, 2023, at St. James Episcopal Church in Leesburg, followed by a celebration of Skellie’s life at the Leesburg Boat Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Education Foundation of Lake County (www.edfoundationlake.com) or English Springer Spaniel Rescue of America (www.springerrescue.org).

John Skellie Morris

October 10, 1953 - August 13, 2023