Morris Walker Clint, Jr.

Morris Walker Clint, Jr., died peacefully on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at Sunshine Haven in Olmito, Texas at the age of 87. Morris was a dedicated and loving family man, nurseryman and friend.

A Brownsville native and a proud 3rd generation horticulturist, Morris graduated from Texas A&M College with a degree in Floriculture in 1949. After graduating from college he worked in the greenhouses at Auburn University. Upon returning to Brownsville he worked for Mrs. McInnis in her business greenhouses before establishing Palm Gardens Nursery in 1953.

Morris poured himself into propagating, nurturing, and researching plants all of his life. The highlight of his career was designing and implementing the original landscape at the Gladys Porter Zoo. He also took great pride in landscaping and enhancing many homes and businesses in Brownsville. He loved to teach about plants as much as he loved to grow them. His great joy was sending a customer on their way to growing flowers, vegetables, and trees and watching them return with their success stories. Many customers brought him seeds and cuttings from their homes and travels, sharing their gardening challenges and pleasures. Anyone who visited the nursery and stayed for an extended conversation often found themselves across "the road" at the Clint home. His interests were anything in the natural world. From the birds that came to the pond, the weather, and a good flower or fruit to be picked; he was enchanted by it all.

Over the years Morris received many honors for his horticultural work and dedication to the community. In 2003, he was honored by the State of Texas House of Representatives with a resolution and Texas Arbor Day planting of a Texas Persimmon tree for his half-century commitment to the city of Brownsville in providing horticultural education though his business and community efforts . Morris was credited in several gardening books for his knowledgeable contributions of plants and butterflies. He was often invited as a guest speaker for garden clubs in Brownsville and Matamoros. In 2014, he also received a Lifetime Service Award "For Dedication to Horticultural Interests of the Community of Brownsville, Texas" by the Brownsville Historical Association.

Though Palm Gardens Nursery always remained a career calling, his marriage to Amanda (Garza) of 52 years was where his greatest love and admiration resided. In his later years, spending time on road trips with close friends to Fredericksburg, family gatherings with his children and grandchildren at home or at the beach and of course, sharing his love of plants with others, were his most tender joys.

Morris was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Clint; father, Morris Walker Clint, Sr.; mother, Katherine Lamberton Clint; brother, Alan Marc Clint; sister, Marcia Clint Wilson and brother-in-law, Captain Richard Wilson.

Morris Clint is survived by his wife, Amanda and three children: Morris W. "Chip" Clint, III; Kathy Clint Coalson and her husband Dale; Cindy Clint Rubiano, and her husband Rolando. He also leaves seven grandchildren: Joseph and Isabel "Izzy" Clint; Elizabeth Coalson, Margaret Coalson Hall, and Shelby Coalson; Rocio Renee and Raquel Rubiano; several beloved in-laws and many nieces and nephews.

The Family would like to extend its gratitude to: Dr. Antonio Diaz and Dr. Roberto Robles for their many years of dedicated care; and his long-time employee of 40 years, Benito Chavez. Morris was also attended with dignity by his compassionate caregivers with Superior Hospice and at Sunshine Haven.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, from 5-8 p.m. in the East Chapel at Darling Mouser Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 30th at Darling-Mouser. Committal services will follow at Buena Vista Burial Park.

Rolando Rubiano, Joseph Clint, Richard Wilson, John Clint, Danny Davis, Meme Garza, Michael Hall, and Brian Arriola are honored to be serving as Morris' pallbearers.

Dale Coalson, Marc Clint, Walter Clint, Roberto Castillo, Ray Garza, David Garza, Nacho Garza, Adolf Dittman, Arthur Edelstein, Rufus Ransome, Tony Gonzalez, and Max Pons will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be sent to the Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St., Brownsville, TX 78520 and www.gpz.org or Sunshine Haven Inc., 7105 W. Lakeside, Olmito, TX 78575.

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Chapel Service

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Thursday, June 30, 2016
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Buena Vista Burial Park
5 McDavitt Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78521

Memorial Contributions

Sunshine Haven Inc.
7105 W. Lakeside
Olmito, TX  78575

Gladys Porter Zoo
500 Ringgold St.
Brownsville, TX  78520