Mr. Willie E. Morris

April 5, 1933 - October 7, 2021

Willie E. "Bill" Morris passed away peacefully on the evening of October 7, 2021, at the age of 88 after battling health problems for several years. Bill, as known by his friends and family, was a survivor and a fighter. He was a world traveler and veteran of foreign wars. Born in Columbus, Georgia to Russell and Mary (Watson) Morris on April 5, 1933, Bill was the beloved “Baby Bother” to his three older sisters and three younger brothers. A graduate of Spencer High School, Bill was a lifelong learner who later earned an associate degree from Illinois Central College. Bill showed an early knack for business starting his first endeavor before starting high school. His tenacious entrepreneurial spirit continued throughout his 21-year career in the U.S. Air Force and the career that followed as an owner of several businesses. Bill will be remembered for his love of fishing—lake, deep sea, ice fishing—and growing his own vegetables in huge backyard gardens that he tended year-round. Bill also had a passion for music, teaching himself to play the saxophone, playing in a band, and sharing his love of classic/abstract jazz with his family and friends. Family was very important to Bill, and he maintained a strong connection to his extended family, never missing a reunion. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mozell Jenkins and Mabel Bennefield, and brother James Arthur. He is survived his children Craig Powell, Dana Morris, Brian (Eleni Lapidaki) Morris, Alec (Margot Vance) Morris; grandsons Brad Powell, Christian Powell, Anthony Powell, Daelen Morris, Aaron Morris; siblings Dorothy Smith, Robert (Cora) Morris, Melvin Morris; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. Bill is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children Cecilia Jordan and his former spouse Lois Gaston. A Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Simons Mortuary from 1:00PM to 2:00PM CST. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing is encouraged. To be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as a Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!