Billy Morris

Billy Morris, Sr. was born in Barbour County.  He was 81 years old and died peacefully at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa on December 25, 2022. He was a civil rights pioneer, leader, husband, father, political activist, entrepreneur and an overall outstanding person within the community.  He was committed to his beliefs, passion, family, and faith.   He persevered no matter the obstacles or challenges.  He used them as steppingstones to overcome and become better and stronger instead of folding or succumbing to defeat.

Billy joined the St. Peter A.M.E. Church at an early age and continued to serve faithfully as a Pastor’s Steward, Sunday school teacher and superintendent until his health start failing him.  He was also a very proud and dedicated member of The Masonic Lodge #444 where he served as Worshipful Master prior to being elected as Grand District Deputy of District 6, State of Alabama until he was no longer able to do so.  Billy was loved and respected by so many.  He was a quiet, mild mannered, honorable, kind, and strong person who believed in putting God first, family next, then giving back to his community.

He was preceded in death by: the love of his life and wife of 56 years; Annie Mearl Morris; his parents: Willie & Mackie Morris; birth mom: Wilma Martin; six brothers; two sisters; bonus in laws who looked at him as a son; and two grandchildren (Fruitnie being his other love who meant the world to him).

He leaves to cherish his memory: eight children who loved him very much and was with him every day throughout his illness until The Lord called him home:  Stoney (Annette) Morris of Atlanta, GA, Teresa (Pierce Jr.) of Tuscaloosa, AL, Lisa Black of  Dothan, AL, Angela (Donnell)Knight of Moundville, AL, Billy Jr. (Iris) Morris of Centreville, VA, Tammy (Raymond) Baker of Troy, AL, Julius (Heather) Morris of Houston, TX and Demetrice (Sarah) Morris of Ozark, AL;  three brothers: LeRoy Rumph of Clayton, AL, Berlin (Kathy) Martin, and Steve Martin; two sisters: Eloise (Lester) Hart and Lucy(Glenn) Moore all of Newark, NJ. 19 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, five great – great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, five sisters-in-law, a very special and supportive nephew and niece: Gregory & Pavla Moore, three bonus sons: Benard, Jamie, and Albert, a special neighbor: Ruby Boykins and very special brother and sister- in-law: Rufus & Pearl Bailey.

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