Joe Wayne Morrow

Dr. Joe Wayne Morrow passed on to his heavenly home peacefully on February 1, 2025, at the age of 72 in Nashville, Tennessee. A devoted husband, father, physician, and friend, Joe’s life was defined by service-to his family, his patients, his faith, and his country.

Born on January 3, 1953, in Clarendon, Joe was the son of the late Ira Kenneth and Jeanne Marie Morrow. He grew up surrounded by a loving extended family, just blocks away from his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. His early years were filled with adventure alongside his two brothers, Danny and John Earl, and he often recalled his time farming and hauling hay with John before pursuing his lifelong passion for medicine.

Joe began his medical career as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era, serving in the ICU at Charleston Naval Air Station Hospital in South Carolina. Following his service, he attended Texas Tech University and earned his BS in Chemistry from West Texas A&M University before obtaining his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. Board-certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine, he built a distinguished career spanning over 35 years, caring for countless patients in his private clinics and alongside partners. His skill in relieving back and neck pain was well known among his peers, and he was a respected leader in medical politics, serving on the Board of Directors for the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association.

In 1992, Joe married the joy of his life, Betty, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. He was a devoted father to his sons, Joe, Nick, Jonathon, and William. He cherished attending their athletic events, cheering on Joe’s Clarendon Broncos, Nick’s Tascosa Rebels, Jon’s Southlake Carroll Dragons, William’s Austin Royals, and also, of course, the Dallas Cowboys, and Tennessee Titans! His heart for ministry led him to support organizations such as Operation Blessing and People That Care, and he and Betty often opened their home to host Gateway life groups.

Joe had a larger-than-life presence-standing 6’5” with an athletic build, he was always ready for a challenge, whether it was a game of chess or a spontaneous skateboard contest. He was an avid reader and writer, a natural storyteller, and a mentor who encouraged young people to pursue their dreams. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for fishing, hunting, and traveling, and he never missed an opportunity to celebrate holidays with family and friends.

In his final years, Joe was a beloved resident of the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, where he formed meaningful connections with the staff and fellow residents. His family extends their deepest gratitude to the dedicated medical teams at Vanderbuilt University Medical Center, Tennessee State Veterans Home, VA Medical Centers in Nashville & Murfreesboro, Ascension St. Thomas Hospitals in Murfreesboro and Nashville, Select Specialty Hospital, and Alive Hospice for their caring spirit and dependable excellence.

The family also wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the Williamson County Veterans Service Office In Franklin, Tenn., for such great communication and consistent support over the last 3 years as well as The Fisher House for their great mission and kindness.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Betty, and his children: Joe Morrow (Tessa) of Claude; Nick Morrow (Bryna) of Fort Worth; Jonathon Cunningham (Kristen) of Fort Worth; and William Morrow of Fort Worth. He is also survived by his brothers, Danny Morrow (Terri) of Dallas, John Earl Morrow (Tammy) of Clarendon, and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A celebration of Dr. Morrow’s life will be held at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, on Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a ceremony at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 3:15 p.m. to honor his military service.

He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with his family in Clarendon.