Billy Morris

Mr. Billy Wayne Morris of Higginsville, MO died Saturday October 9, 2010 in his home of natural causes.  Born in Higginsville, July 14, 1939 to Jesse James and Cecil Fern Morris.  He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings; J. C. Morris, Barbara Morris and Bobby Morris.

 Bill overcame many challenges in his life.  When he was four years old he developed pneumonia and a high fever that affected his development.  His grandfather Kelso helped him to relearn how to walk and talk.  As a child he helped his dad Jesse in the coal mine.  When he was a teenager he worked with his uncle in the salvage yard in Higginsville.  As a young man he worked at the garment factory in Concordia where he met Rosemary Meyer.  They married and went on to have two sons, Brian and Michael divorcing in 1984.

 Over the course of his life he was employed at the Higginsville Habilitation Center, MFA, Tracy Excavating, S & K Industries, Roy Houk Sawmill, and The Higginsville Sheltered Workshop.

 Bill recycled scrap metal since childhood and continued cleaning scrap up until his death. He had fond memories of helping build the original Faith Baptist Church in Higginsville.  He also enjoyed collecting quarters, fishing and going to the coffee shop, watching wrestling, The KC Chiefs and Royals. 

 Bill had severe pneumonia in 1982 followed by a dementia diagnosis in 1983 and COPD in 2000.  Although he had a great deal of adversity he never had an unkind word to say about anyone and never complained about his situation.  Bill never missed any of his boys sporting events.  Brian and Mike enjoyed spending time with their dad.  Working with him and playing board games.  Bill was a man of few words but was always there if his family needed him and they are very proud to have had him as their father, grandfather and friend.  He was loved.  He will be missed.  He will never be forgotten.   

Billy is survived by son Brian his wife Karla and their two children Nicholas and Timothy, son Michael his wife Tina and their five children Alexander, Matthew, Abigail, Adin and Josiah.  Five siblings, Maxine (Bob) Sommerville, Patty (Cliff) Sanders, Mary (Everette) Miller, Jerry (Andrea) Morris, and Ronnie Morris.  

 Memorial service will be held Sunday October 17, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, Higginsville.  Pastor Jeremy Herbert officiating.  There will be a visitation at 2:00 p. m. preceding the service.

 In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church of Higginsville.