Bishop Willie J. Morris was born on November 5, 1943, to the late Jeffery Morris and Reatha V. Nolen. Bishop Willie J. Morris gained his wings peacefully at OSU Arthur G. James Hospital on March 7, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father, Jeffery Morris; mother, Reatha V. Nolen; stepfather, Charles A. Limmie Nolen; brothers, Charles C. Nolen, Jessie Morris, Samuel Lee Morris, JD Morris; sister, Carolyn Morris; mother-in-law, Mary Lee Hooks; brother in laws, Willie
Hooks, Winston Patterson, Hilbert Clausell; sisters-in-law, Shirley Holmes, Jeannette Williams, Billie Nolen.
Willie J. Morris, also known as “Son,” was born in Burnt Corn, Alabama in 1943. As a young child growing up Willie J. Morris discovered his passion for creating and crafting model cars and car engines. Using coat hangers and other household items, he nurtured this creative spark. One of his favorite songs was “My Friend Jesus” by the Gospel Keynotes which resonated deeply with his spiritual journey.
In 1970, seeking better opportunities, Willie J. Morris moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked at Ohio Malibu until
1978. Later, he joined General Casting until his retirement in 1999. On December 28, 1976, he committed his life to the Lord. At Shady Grove Baptist Church, under the late Bishop C.M. Davis, he served as a Deacon and eventually became the Chairperson of the Deacon Board. He also founded the church’s first-ever male chorus. Later, he joined Burning Bush Church under Pastor Woodard, where he received his calling to become a Preacher. Ordained as a Pastor at God’s House of Deliverance, under the late Bishop Ronald McDonald he faithfully shepherded his congregation. In 1983 he served under the leadership of the late Bishop Arthur Williams from Monroeville, Alabama at Freewill Pentecostal. In 1988, God revealed to him to establish his own church naming the church, Grace and Truth Church of Jesus Christ, Willie J Morris was both Founder and Pastor.
In 2022 he became Bishop Willie J Morris. Bishop Willie J. Morris touched lives, inspired faith, and left an enduring legacy. To know Bishop Morris was to Love him. He was a gentle giant. He was a comforter, a prayer warrior, and a great man of God.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his Loving wife of 56 years of marriage. Rebecca Morris who he called “his yellow piece of plunder”. She is his life, and he was her life; his daughters, Mary (Tina) Morris, Aretha Morris, and Kosette (Charles) Hardy; his Godson, Pastor George Saunders; grandchildren, Briyanna Morris, Iyanna Morris and Justin Saunders; sisters, Alice Clausell, Alma Clay, Judy Patterson, Bernice (Jessie) Miller, Annette Brown, Luvinea Nolen, Martha (Sammie) Stewart, Dorthy Morris, Betty Jean (Dannie) Morris-Pledger; brothers, Joe Lewis Nolen, Dannin Nolen, Arthur Nolen; sister-in-law, Paula (Tony) Moore; brother-in-law, Paul (Sheri) Hooks and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
We would like to give a special thanks to Brenda Saunders who ask Bishop Willie J. Morris and Rebecca Morris to accept Pastor George Saunders as their son over 28 years ago, also Pastor Johnny (Roxanna) Nolen, New Life Family Christian Center Church, and OSU Arthur G. James Hospital ICU team.
Bishop Willie J. Morris was known for his succinct and impactful words. His memorable slogan encapsulated his straightforward approach: “I am not mean… I just mean what I say.” In this simple phrase, he conveyed both clarity and conviction. May his legacy continue to inspire truthfulness and authenticity in all of us.
Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.).
Interment at Evergreen Burial Park.
On behalf of the Stanford Family, we just wanted to let you know that we are deeply sorry for your loss and that our thoughts are with you and your family.
“”Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.”
I am deeply saddened by the news of my cousin, Bishop Morris’s passing. The Bible reminds us that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, bringing comfort to our family with the assurance that Jesus has fulfilled His promise to return for him, as mentioned in John 14. We will keep our family, his beloved wife Rebecca, his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family in our prayers, asking God to provide the peace and understanding needed to navigate this transition in life. All for His glory!