Theodore R. Morrill's Obituary
Theodore R. Morrill, 71 of Fayetteville, AR, beloved husband, father and friend, translated on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at Washington Regional Hospital after a brief illness. He was born February 16, 1933 in Miami, Florida to Ralph and Irene (Parrish) Morrill.
He attended Florida State University, where he played football, and he graduated from the University of Miami in Vocal Performance. He continued his education in Rome, Italy, where he studied at the Santa Sicilia Accademia di Roma with Grande Ufficiale Maestro Giovanni Manurita. He also sang concerts in 25 Italian cities and on Radio RAI. He studied further in New York City at the Manhatten School of Music and Actors Studio.
He sang professionally on Broadway and off Broadway in Musicals and operettas, and he also did straight plays. He sang opera with the New York City Opera, Metropolitan Opera Studio, Miami Opera Guild, Brooklyn Lyric Opera and others in the USA. During a 10- year stay in Germany, he sang leading dramatic tenor roles in Cologne, Hannover, Nuernberg, Bern, Marseilles, and other European cities. He made TV and radio appearances in both the US and abroad.
After moving to Arkansas in 1985, he became an entrepreneur. He also sang numerous concerts at the University of Arkansas and appeared as soloist with the Northwest Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. He taught voice to drama and vocal students at the UofA.
He was a member of the clergy of ECKANKAR, Religion of the Light and Sound of God.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Yoes ; three daughters, Thea Morrill of Chicago, IL, Julie Morrill of the home, Yvette Wenger of Connecticut; a son, Gregory Bender of New York City; one sister Harriette Hopkins of Biscayne Bay, FL, and a brother, Danny Morrill of Hollywood, FL.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 8, 2004 in the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home 4520 North Crossover Road in Fayetteville. Margie Mende, Regional ECK Spiritual Aid will officiate.
Memorial donations may be sent to the University of Miami School of Music, the University of Arkansas Mullins Library - vocal collection or to ECKANKAR.
Visitation Date Time None Visitation Location Service Date Time Wednesday, December 8, 2004 11:00 AM Service Location Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Chapel
What’s your fondest memory of Theodore?
What’s a lesson you learned from Theodore?
Share a story where Theodore's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Theodore you’ll never forget.
How did Theodore make you smile?