Raymond Cleveland Morris

was born in Jefferson City, Missouri

on June 24, 1941 to Frank and Lissie (Maples) Morris. As a young man anxious to see the world, he joined the Army when he was seventeen. A lifelong history enthusiast and experienced world traveler, he has used his keen observation of the human condition as the catalyst for expansion of his interests into mainstream fiction.

Retired after 26 years as a highly decorated military officer with Army Special Forces covert operations, he was requested as a civilian to return to Fort Lewis, Washington as the Training Officer to help stand up the Army's first two new Stryker Brigades. These Brigades were trained using a revolutionary new warfighting doctrine, and have since been called upon to serve in the Iraqi Enduring Freedom Campaign.

Ray also served in the Army's Criminal Investigative Division and has been a Washington State Special Investigator. From his years of experience working with others in the criminal justice system, he is familiar with criminal behavior and the inner workings of the human psyche.

His earlier careers, observations and interests provide grist for his stories, and through examining the daily discourse, living conditions and real life situations of others, many of Morris' characters are born. A prolific writer, he remembers writing stories for personal enjoyment as far back as elementary school. Like others whose latent artistic talents appear late in life, Ray has begun to share his mainstream fiction novels with others.

Ray received a BS in Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska, an MS in Justice Administration, Wichita State University, and holds an MBA from City University, Bellevue, WA.

He served three tours in and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Special Forces in 1986. His military professional credits include the Bronze Star, Cross of Gallantry/Silver Star, Air Medal, Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, Royal Thai Army Fordgr., Master Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, and Special Forces Tab. He is a member of the Army Special Forces Association and the Army Special Operations Group Association (SOG).

Ray's wife, Brenda, collaborates with him on his writing projects. An avid skier, boater and fisherman, when not writing you will find Ray stalking redfish near Tampa, Florida.