Obituaries

Raynald Wallace Morris

Raynald W. Morris, age 57, of Newport News, died peacefully on Monday, April 12, 2021, of a traumatic brain injury following a fall.

Raynald began his 35-year-long career with W. M. Jordan Company, ultimately becoming the company’s Vice President, Chief Information Officer. Throughout his career, Raynald served in many different roles, working as a Project Engineer, Project Scheduler, or Project Manager on a variety of schools, medical facilities, courthouses, jails, office buildings, and Department of Defense Projects. In 1998, Raynald created the company’s Information Technology department, expanding it in 2008 to include the Virtual Design and Construction department. In his role as CIO, Raynald directed all aspects of technology for the entire enterprise to improve construction and management processes.

With his deep understanding of technology, Raynald presented for many audiences including engineering organizations, educational institutions, and construction-related panels, forums, and events on the use of technology in the construction industry. He drove the innovative use of technology by sitting on construction-related boards/committees and contributed to many publications. Raynald was also an FAA-certified UAV (drone) pilot.

Raynald was as dedicated to his hobbies as he was to his career. His many interests included restoring his Mustangs, attending car shows, boating, offshore fishing, bicycling, and riding his Harley. He took pride in meticulously tending to his lawn and keeping his cars in showroom condition with his beloved Yellow Lab, Ford, always keeping watch. Above all else, Raynald cherished spending time with Lynn, his wife of 29 years. They shared a love of music and seeing live bands, relaxing by their pool, enjoying meals anywhere with a view of the water, and spending time at local hangouts with friends.

Raynald was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Vera Morris, and his brother, Reginald Morris. He is survived by his wife Lynn, brother Ron Morris (Rachel) and their son Blake, niece Kelley Morris, mother-in-law Carolyn Harlow, sister-in-law Leigh Ann Garza, and sister-in-law Leslie Leser (Gary) and their daughters Sarah and Casey. Raynald was also blessed with a wide circle of cherished friends and extended family members.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an animal-focused charity of your choice in Raynald’s memory.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.