Frank Wilford Morris, at 68, could still outrun his kids, literally, and even give his grandchildren a run for their money when it came to outdoor sports.
That’s what a lifetime of staying strong, healthy and fit enough to be a firefighter will do for you, said Morris’ daughter-in-law, Brandee Morris, who is married to his oldest son, Chris.
That’s also what has shocked and infuriated Frank Morris’ family, including his wife, Bonnie, four children and numerous grandkids, nieces and nephews, when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia Nov. 17, and died from complications from the cancer less than two weeks later, on Nov. 29. They are now dedicated to seeing the Firefighters Fighting Cancer Act, HB 520, which has stalled in the state Senate since May, taken up, passed and signed by Gov. Roy Cooper to ensure other firefighters are more adequately compensated after being diagnosed with cancer, which is now the No. 1 cause of firefighter deaths in the country.