William “Bill” Edward Morris, Jr., 58, of Thompsonville, IL, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2016.
He was born on February 12, 1957, in Eldorado, IL, to Ed and Mary (Asher) Morris. He married Marilyn (Muir) Morris on December 29, 1979.
Bill served students and schools of southern Illinois for 30 years as a school psychologist for Franklin-Jefferson Special Education. Since the age of 16, Bill served in various capacities as a lay minister for the Community of Christ Church, serving at youth camps, counseling individuals and families, preaching, teaching, and serving at the Thompsonville Food Pantry. A true supporter of community, Bill was often encouraging Thompsonville sports teams and spent two nights a week playing basketball with local youth and friends. Many looked to Bill for guidance, wisdom, and encouragement. Nothing, however, was more dear to Bill than his family.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his daughter, Maggie Davis and husband, Jake of Marion; daughter, Emily Hartford and husband, Daniel of Lawrence, Kansas; son, Will of Los Angeles, California; five grandchildren, Joseph, Oliver, Violet, and June Hartford, and Clara Davis; his mother, Mary Morris of Eldorado; one sister, Katherine Martin and husband, Dan of Eldorado; many beloved sisters and brothers in-law and nieces and nephews; and his church family.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Edward Morris, Sr. and his sister, Rebecca Watson.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 29, 2016, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St, Benton, IL.
Funeral will be held Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 11:00 am at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL. Graveside services will follow at the Brady Cemetery in Akin, IL. Immediately following, all are welcome for a memorial dinner at the Community of Christ Church in Thompsonville, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Thompsonville Community of Christ Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
