I was saddened to learn of Fr. Morris' death, which I didn't know about until yesterday.  We are distant cousins through the Morris line, and I enjoyed the few chances I had to visit with him, at the cathedral in New Orleans, and in Port Gibson.

Not only was William the father I never had, he was such a good listener, advisor and, at times, my partner in crime. I could listen to his laugh and his wisdom all day.  I remember, one evening, he, Sarah, John and I were all hanging out in their livingroom talking about how smart Wiliam was.  So I decided to pick up a stack of newspapers that he had been collecting on his coffee table.  Inside there was a section that had a bunch of trivia questions. So, I said to Bill, "o.k, William.  Lets see how much you REALLY know.  I'm gonna ask you some questions and see if you know the answer." I must have asked him about 20.  I will admit that he knew the answer to most of them.  However, when he gave me a wrong answer or said that he didn't know what the aswer was, I would read him the correct answer.  What is funny about this is the fact that instead of saying, "oh, wow! I didn't know that" he kept saying, "oh...that's right.  That's right" as if he KNEW the answer the whole time. I had to call him out about it and he and I just laughed and laughed.  I'm gonna miss that laugh and soooo many other things about that woderful man.  Heaven is a brighter place with you in it, William.  I will miss you terribly.

Dear John and Family,

You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this deeply sad time. Dear Father Morris's brilliant light may be extinguished here, but the afterglow of his faith and love will continue to warm the hearts of those who cherish his memory.

With deepest sympathy,
Cecile Torbergsen

We mourn with you Sarah and thank God for a mighty and kindly man - Scott and Sharon Campbell

My deepest condolences to Sarah and the Morris family.  

We all sustained a deep loss in Father Bill Morris' death.  We wll miss his wit, his incisive perspective, his deep caring, sensitivity, and love for others--all anchored by his strong spiritual faith.

He has been a "leaven" in life for all of us and a wonderful gift.

Family Service of Greater N.O. is deeply grateful and indebted to him for his years of dedicated service on the Board of Directors and as its President.

Even amid our sorrow we can be consoled and comforted that Bill is enjoying God's presence and love in a profound way as God's "faithful servant."

Fr Morris will be missed in the life of our diocese.

The Rev. Bill Morris was a wonderful and kind priest and a good friend. I miss sitting next to him at the Cathedral and spending time with him and just listening to all he had to say. He was a saint, embodying kindness, seeking after justice, exhibiting courage and always faithful with an excellent sense of humor. Sarah, you are in my prayers. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

Dear Morris Family,

I am forever grateful for Father Morris's presence in my life. For so many, he made being Christian accessible and real and often also very funny. What a gift.  I know you will miss him, as we all will.  Love, Cheryl Lambert Riess

Fr. Morris had such a wonderful sense of humor. I can still remember vividly during one of our services at All Saints when I tried to smack a wasp, making a horribly loud slap as I hit the wall with my papers, and he just laughed up on the altar. I will miss him very much (have been in fact ever since he retired from All Saints). Kellie

Father Bill was an amazing role model for me.  My prayers are with the Morris family at this time.

Our family extends our sincere condolences to the family of Rev. William Morris, Jr.  Our prayers will be with you all.

Father Morris was a singular individual. His sermons were often funny and regularly challenged his listeners intellectually and spiritually.  He will live on in the hearts and minds of many who were fortunate to be in his congregations.

John, I am sorry for your loss, and I know words cannot adequately express the grief you feel, but take comfort in having the many years you spent with him, and knowing he is with our lord. Noel

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.


Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Bill. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. AMEN.

Father Morris,
Thank you for being an example of Christ's love in the world and for your many years of service to the family of God. You will be missed. - The Milner Family

OBITUARY

William Collins Morris Jr.

April 27, 1936 – October 29, 2012

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services