After vigorously fighting Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disease, Charlie’s battle finally came to an end on November 29, 2019.
He was born in Springdale, Arkansas and lived in various states as a young man including Texas, Kansas, North Carolina, California and Arizona. Within his immediate family, Charlie is survived by Ronald R. Morriss, father and Cynthia Matus Morriss; Charlotte Morriss Berliner, mother; two sisters, Rhonda Morriss Bothwell (Allen) and Samantha A. Morriss; John Wm. Montanez, brother; nieces Emily Ann Thomas (Bradan) and Alexis Montanez; nephews Johnny and Tommy Montanez. Other family members include Arnold Morriss (Becky), Perry Morriss and Tim Morriss and family, William “Memo” Y. Matus, Emma Matus Voss (Art), Aimee Naegelin Varela (Rick), James, Ellianna and Kayleigh Varela, Charlie’s angel and love of his life, Roxanne Johnson, and best friend, Dr. Edi Webb. Charlie leaves behind his long-time Patagonia stray cat, Scooter, who now resides with Samantha.
He was a philosopher, writer, entrepreneur, comedian, adventurer, professor, larger than life on-air personality, and an epic renaissance man. Charlie leaves behind hundreds of friends, fans and students.
He graduated from Sabino High School in Tucson and then had a long storied radio DJ career in Tucson, Phoenix, Atlanta and Las Vegas. He was on the air in Tucson collectively for over 20 years, and his radio personality name was “Charlie Monoxide.”
Later in life, Charlie acquired his BA in Philosophy, and graduated summa cum laude from U of A. He then received his MA in Humanities from Prescott College and went on to be a professor, molding countless young minds and teaching them to question everything, making their future possibly tolerable.
Charles Morriss worked as a DJ in Tucson for 20 years as radio personality “Charlie Monoxide.”
He taught English Literature and Humanities at Mesa Community College, served on the American Indian Academic Advisory Committee and several MCC English Department Committees. He taught ESL from the southwestern USA all the way to China.
The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at the MAYO Clinic in Scottsdale for their professional and personal care.
A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If you are able and want to honor Charlie’s life, please give blood when you can, or go to BeTheMatch.org. You might just save a life.