Graveside services were held May 12, 2014, at Bethel Cemetery in Bassfield for Mr. Billy Morris, age 67, of Sumrall, who passed away on May 9. Rev. Charles Lee Loftin officiated. Saulters Moore Funeral Home of Prentiss was in charge of all arrangements.

William (Billy) Earl Morris, Jr. was born on April 22, 1947. He was the son of William Earl Morris, Sr. and Lela Mae Montgomery Morris. He graduated from Bassfield High School. He attended Itawamba Jr. College in Tupelo, and Jones Jr. College in Laurel.

He retired from Ingalls Shipbuilding Company on the Gulf Coast with 33 years of service. He had great admiration for those who served in the military and was proud of his work feeling, that he had made a contribution to them and his country. He was a creative person who enjoyed making decorative pieces from unusual and small wooden items.

He is survived by one son, Sean Morris; one daughter, April Smith (Mike); one granddaughter, Alexis Smith (who he always referred to as the future president), one sister, Chrystelle Thomas (Charlie) of Tupelo; one nephew, Mark Blackwell (Lori); one greatniece, Cara of San Antonio, Texas; and a special friend, Pat Fortenberry.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Carrie Dyess Morris; his parents, Earl and Lela Mae Morris; and a special lifelong friend, Dale Broome.