William R. Morris

Born March 21, 1951, Bill was a lifelong member of First Community Church. As the youngest child, he grew up playing with his neighborhood friends and riding bikes around Upper Arlington. Summers were spent at Camp Miniwanca, where he forged friendships with fellow campers, led exploring trips as a counselor, and created the Menthol Man tradition.

Bill graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1969. He went on to attend and graduate from Albion College where he played for the men’s basketball team, joined the Sigma Nu fraternity, and was President of the Inter-fraternity Council.

After college, Bill spent time managing his family’s beloved farm in Gomer, Ohio, gardening, and traveling. Whether at the neighborhood deli or across the world, he never met a stranger, and found a friend everywhere he went. Bill especially loved watching college basketball, attending Ohio State athletics events, and traveling to watch all of his daughters’ sporting events.

Above all, Bill was a family man. He was a devoted husband, father, and son. Bill and Julie were married for 27 wonderful years and share two daughters, Abigail and Emma, who were the loving core of his life. His sense of humor, loyalty, and unwavering love for his family and friends will be deeply missed. He showed compassion, kindness, and generosity to all. His legacy and cherished values of faith, family and friends lives on in the hearts of all those who had the honor of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Julie (née Francisco); daughters, Abigail Noelle and Emma Robuck; sister, Margo Swan (Lynn); mother-in-law, Sharon Francisco; sisters in law, Leslie Plahuta (Jamie) and Marci Francisco; beloved nieces and nephews; and cherished, lifelong friends.

Preceding Bill in death are parents, Robert J. Morris and Martha Robuck Morris; grandparents O.S. Robuck and Margaret Robuck, M.L. and Florence Morris; and beloved dogs Reilly and Murphy.

Friends may call on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 10am - 1pm at Schoedinger Northwest, located at 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio. Memorial services will be on June 20, 2025 at 11:00 am at First Community Church at 1320 Cambridge Blvd, Marble Cliff, Ohio. A graveside service will follow in Gomer, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local charitable organization of choice in Bill’s honor.