Joseph Shepard Morrison

On December 8, 2025, Joseph Shepard Morrison passed peacefully, reunited with his loved ones and welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior. In his own residence—resting in  Big Daddy’s ( Dr. J.C Shepard) bed—he joined those who went before him for his eternal rest, exactly as he wished. His devoted daughter, Mary Jo, was by his side, caring for him with unwavering love and dedication. Throughout the years, and up until his very last breath, she ensured that every wish he held was honored.

As Joe made his final steps toward Heaven, Mary Jo whispered softly, “The prettiest girl in the room awaits you,” a tender reference to his beloved wife, Edith, ( Edith Carolyn Rivenbark) whom he treasured throughout his life.

Joe and Edith married, and with that marriage he joyfully embraced a son, Jimmy Jett, whom he supported and loved as his own. He stepped wholeheartedly into the gift of family. Years later, they welcomed his daughter, Mary Jo—a moment that forever shaped the deepest parts of his heart.

Joe and his younger brother, Benjamin Robert Morrison—lovingly known as “Teesie”—grew up surrounded by the coastal beauty of Wrightsville Beach and the historic charm of the Dry Pond neighborhood in downtown Wilmington. They both attended Tileston School. Joe often shared warm stories of their Aunt Lou, who ensured the boys were well dressed for church, kept up with their schoolwork, and always had a new project or outdoor adventure waiting for them. These memories—full of structure, mischief, and love—followed them all their lives.

If you were fortunate enough to listen to Joe’s storytelling, you gained a rare glimpse into old Wilmington: big band music drifting from the open windows of the Lumina Pavilion, swimming and surfing on the first Hawaiian surfboard at Wrightsville Beach, and diving off the docks into Banks Channel with their faithful dog, Skippy, not far behind.

As young boys, Joe and Teesie could be found on the shore watching boat races before eventually racing their own sailboats at the Carolina Yacht Club and beyond. Joe’s love for speed grew into a passion for powerboat racing, where he had the opportunity to race up and down the East Coast.

A man of many interests, Joe was happiest near the water—whether casting a line into the Croaker Hole or surf fishing along the shoreline. In their early childhood, he and Teesie also rode ponies, and Joe later trained and showed three- and five-gaited horses across North Carolina and neighboring states. His lifelong passion for horses remained one of his most cherished joys.

When he wasn’t near the sea, Joe might be found deep in the woods, dressed in full camouflage, sitting quietly in a tree stand. He was instrumental in the foundation of both the Black River Hunting Club and the Buccaneer Gun Club. To many, Joe will forever remain an iconic figure of Black River and of old Wilmington itself.

Joe graduated from New Hanover High School in 1945, and before beginning his college career, he fulfilled his civic duties as a Merchant Marine during World War II. Part of his duties were to include inspection of the Liberty ships during their maiden voyages. After that he began his college studies at Duke University before transferring to become a proud UNC Tar Heel.

After the passing of his grandfather, Big Daddy, Joe returned home to help run the family business, Shepard Chemical Works, established in 1909. Over several decades, he had the privilege of working alongside those he held closest—including his best friend and brother, Teesie; his father, Doc ( Dr. B.R. Morrison); his nephew, Tom ( Tom Morrison); and eventually his daughter, Mary Jo. These years were filled with companionship, inside jokes, familiar routines, and friendships that lasted a lifetime. As his nephew Tom Morrison lovingly said, “Even if I heard that story before, it was well worth hearing again.”

To many, Joe will be remembered in his familiar khaki pants, plaid shirt, a leather glasses case tucked neatly in his pocket, and a folded napkin always at the ready. With a pack of Nabs and a Diet Coke—or a honey bun—he was prepared to share a laugh, a slice of Wilmington history, or a treasured memory. Whether you were meeting him for the first time or had known him all your life, time in Joe’s presence always left you with something meaningful: a story, a smile, or a memory to carry forward.

Joe is survived by the loved ones who were the center of his world:

• his devoted daughter, Mary Jo (Russell Holt), his unwavering guardian angel on earth;

• his son, James H. Jett (Helen);

• his granddaughter, Sarah Anne Stephens—affectionately known as his “sweet sugar lump”;

• and his great-grandson, Mattox Ryder, his only great-grandchild and a joy he cherished deeply (“I love you more”).

These were the very apples of his eye.

He is also survived by extended family, including his nephew, Tom Morrison (Cindy), who faithfully checked in and treasured every story Joe shared; Winifred Bone (Larry); and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and now great-nieces and great-nephews. He leaves behind dear lifelong friends—including Vic Gross, who called him every night for countless years. Joe’s friends knew well his continuous generosity, steadfast loyalty, and the truth of his own words: “Without friends, you have nothing.”

Whether it is the taste of a Diet Coke, the feel of sand beneath your feet, the smell of gunpowder in the air, or the warm salty breeze carrying memories of old Wilmington—Joe lived a life full of simple joys and deep connections. His legacy remains in the stories he told, the love he gave, and the laughter he shared.

Special Thanks ~

The family is especially grateful for Niles Krais and the compassionate staff at Liberty Hospice Care.

They extend their deepest gratitude to Mary Jo, whose sacrifices, devotion, and love allowed Joe to remain in his home—the place he cherished most—and to transition peacefully, comfortably, and with dignity. Her unwavering presence ensured he was able to take his final breath in his Big Daddy’s bed, exactly as he wished, and step joyfully into Heaven to be reunited with his loved ones and rest in the grace of our Lord and Savior. Surely, he was welcomed home to rejoice—and we are certain there is a celebration to be had.

“As water reflects the face,

so one’s life reflects the heart.”

Proverbs 27:19

Service Information:

The family invites loved ones to attend a graveside service at Oakdale Cemetery on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Immediately following the service, family and friends are welcome to gather for food, fellowship, and the sharing of cherished memories from Joe’s 99 years of life at:

K2 Suites Event Venue

3137 Wrightsville Ave.

Wilmington, NC 28403

* In Lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to Winter Park Presbyterian Church:

@winterparkpresbyterian.org 

“When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you.”

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

Please leave condolences for the family on the guestbook.