Billy Joe was born to Merle Martin and Dorothy Dale Kirby Morris on March 15, 1935 in Wann, Oklahoma. He married the love of his life, Shirley Dorlene Lefevre on September 1, 1956, at St Paul’s Methodist Church in Odessa, TX. They were married for 56 years and blessed with three sons. Larry, Garry, and Barry. He graduated from Caney High School in Caney, Kansas in 1953 and attended Coffeyville Junior College.
In September of 1955 Bill relocated to Odessa, TX and went to work for Phillips Petroleum Company, as a mechanic at their transportation maintenance garage. His career spanned 40 years with Phillips, working his way up to shop supervisor, until his retirement in 1995.
He spent the next 18 years as a caregiver to his beloved Shirley (Big Mama). During this time, they relocated to McKinney, Tx in order to be closer to her doctors and family. They were also able to travel in their RV and enjoyed several trips to Branson, Missouri. Some of his most treasured times were spent together with his family camping and taking trips.
Billy Joe, Big Daddy, as he was affectionately known, enjoyed photography and videography. He was an excellent auto mechanic and could fix almost anything.
Billy is survived by his three sons and their spouses, Larry and Susan of Grapevine, Garry and Melissa of Carrollton and Barry and Tom of Midland. Grandchildren, Leland and Brooke Morris of Keller, Alisha and Algot Preston, of Carrollton and Lindsey and Colin Overton, of Dallas. He was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren, as well as many other close family members from the Morris, Lefevre and Spragins families.
Visitation will be Friday, October 8th from 5:00 – 9:00 pm at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Saturday, October 9th, at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home, with interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, Grapevine Tx – Weekend Food.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankwwilson.com for the Morris family.
