Robert was born on September 2, 1921 in Sumner Mississippi to Albert and Flavelia (Hollis) Morris. He married Evelyn Stone in October of 1947. She preceded him in death. He later married Rosie Nell Brown in August of 1991. She also preceded him in death.
Robert was the eldest son of nine siblings. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his son and care giver Robert Jr and Diane Morris; three sisters, Thelma Watkins of Mississippi, Mamie Ford of Richton Park, IL, and Mary C. Lyles of Chicago, IL. He also leaves a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great grandchildren.
Robert accepted Christ and was baptized in his youth in Tallahatchie county. He renewed his faith in Christ and was baptized in 2007 at Northwest Baptist Church, by Pastor Richard Springsteen in Peoria, where he was a longtime member. He participated and enjoyed church events such as corn boils, trunk or treat, and holiday programs.
Robert left Mississippi in his youth with his brother Pascal Morris and moved to St. Louis, MO residing with his eldest sister Lillie V. (Hollis) Robinson, working several jobs before being drafted into the United States Army in 1941. He served in Liberia West Africa for over 2 years and was honorably discharged at which time he returned to St. Louis for several years. He later moved to Peoria, working several jobs before finding gainful employment with Caterpillar Inc. for 30 years, retiring in 1980.
He was the patriarch of his family, always giving a helping hand for anyone in need. He enjoyed cooking, especially ribs and sweet potato pies, he loved traveling, antique cars and walking. Walking nearly everyday in Bradley Park in Peoria up to almost the age of 90. One of his quotes was "You always got to keep moving". In his later years he enjoyed spending time with his son (Robert Jr.) sitting on the River Front taking in the view and watching the boats.
Robert was preceded in death by two sisters, Lillie V. (Hollis) Robinson and Claudell Morris; three brothers, twins Pascal and Aldon Morris and Leatris Morris of Salisbury, Maryland, a step-daughter, Patricia Murray, granddaughter, Charla Murray and great-granddaughter, Evelyn (Allen) Murray.
A service will be held at Northwest Baptist Church, 5430 N. Big Hallow Rd. in Peoria, on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Richard Springsteen will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Northwest Baptist Church. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.davison-fulton.com.
The Morris family would like to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and acts of kindness.
