HILL CITY - Richard James Morris, 81, passed away peacefully January 15, 2020, at Good Samaritan St. Martin's Village, Rapid City, SD.

Rich was born January 1, 1939, in Rapid City, SD, to Ralph and Margaret (Boodleman) Morris. He graduated from Hill City High School in 1956. Rich's family owned and operated Wheel Inn Resort and Sheridan Lake Marina where he worked many summers. Rich then went on to attend college, play in a band and learn his trade as an ironworker.

Rich married his wife, Peggy O'Neil, January 25, 1964. They had three children, Brent, Tracy & Holli. They shared their home near Hill City for over 40 years, until Peggy's death in 2005.

Rich worked in the Iron Worker trade for over 30 years, which included constructing minuteman missile sites that he was proud to be a part of. When driving around the Black Hills, he was happy to point out the many landmarks he was involved in constructing including the Cement Plant, Rapid City Civic Center, the Chapel at St. Martin's, rest area teepees and the Rushmore Mall.

Rich was a great teacher who would spend time with anyone interested in learning welding, fabrication, or anything else they dared to try on land or water. While at the helm of a boat, he taught barefoot skiing, hang gliding, jumping and tricks just like you would see at Cypress Gardens.

Over the years, he enjoyed riding many miles horseback, driving teams of horses in parades, giving hay and sleigh rides, as well as skidding logs and participating in horse pulls. After his iron worker days were over, he ran Morris Machine & Repair and also dabbled in dirt-work until he fully retired in 2004.

Rich was an avid outdoorsman who liked hunting and fishing.  He enjoyed attending all his kids' and grandkids' events and was always available for advice and coaching after each game.

Rich is survived by two sons, Brent (Twila) Morris of Hill City, SD, and Tracy (Robyn) Morris of Sergeant Bluff, IA, one daughter, Holli (Jeff) Edwards of Hill City, SD, four grandchildren, Sydney and Jace Morris and Taylor and Whitney Edwards, one sister, Barbara Burnham, of Hill City, SD, nieces, nephews, and friends. Rich was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, and his parents, Ralph and Margaret.

A memorial has been established in Rich's name to support the Hill City, SD, and Sergeant Bluff, IA, High School Basketball teams.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held Saturday, February 1, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at High Country Guest Ranch, 12138 Ray Smith Drive, Hill City, SD.