LCDR William "Billy" McKinley Morrison

Billy is survived by his beloved daughter, Rebecca Morrison, and his widow, LCDR Ashley Morrison. He leaves behind a family who loved him, including his parents, CAPT (Ret) Rick and Kathleen Morrison; his brother, Maj (Ret) John Morrison; his sister, Kari Bailik; his Nana, Jane Sheehan; as well as aunts and uncles, Jim and Ellen Sheehan, Bill and Wendy Sheehan, and Patty Sheehan and Connie Gehringer. He is also survived by his cousins, Samantha Delissio, Morgan Sheehan, and GM2 William (Tripp) Sheehan, along with his in-laws, Molly Morrison, MSgt (Ret) Amy Bailik, Anthony and Kathleen Kendl, and Glen-Allen and Chelsea Kendl.

Billy was born into a Navy family, and, as such, traveled over the course of his youth living in California, Cuba, England, and Washington, DC, where he would attend Gonzaga College High School, discovering a passion for music, literature, and the tenants of a Jesuit education. After graduating from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education, Billy spent his early adulthood teaching English at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado, before dedicating his life to the Naval Service.

In 2009, Billy commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer in Rhode Island, where he met his wife Ashley during training. His first duty station was on the USS Fitzgerald in Japan, serving as a Repair Officer and Ordinance Officer until 2011. He was then sent to Everett, Washington and the USS Ford. Billy did his final tour as a Surface Warfare Officer as an Instructor at their initial training school in Rhode Island. He then attended George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia School of Law, graduating in 2017. He went on to serve as a legal assistance attorney in the Chicago area, and the Officer-In-Charge of the Victims Legal Counsel Program in California.

Billy had an unwavering passion for music. He enjoyed a diverse range of musicians and could deftly articulate why each of them was special. He was a remarkably talented musician, especially when playing guitar. His exceptional talent was a testament to his dedication and love for the art. In addition to his musical pursuits, Billy discovered joy in the world of stand-up and improv comedy, immersing himself in this new craft with enthusiasm and creativity.

Despite his many passions, his greatest love was undoubtedly his daughter, Rebecca. Billy was incredibly proud of her every achievement, and he shared the details of her accomplishments with anyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Billy was a magnetic, larger than life personality, who was always quick with a story, which may have had some exaggerated details. He loved to meet new people wherever he traveled. Billy was determined to visit all fifty states, and he took his ability to connect with complete strangers on the road across the country. Billy completed the 50 state challenge with his chagrined mom, who had promised to join him for the fiftieth in North Dakota in the winter.

We celebrate Billy’s vibrant spirit and the joy he brought into our lives. Billy will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and shipmates.

Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation at Murphy Funeral Home, Wednesday, April 16 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203.

Funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, April 17 at 3:00 pm. Please arrive 45 minutes early in a personal vehicle for screening at the main entrance, present an ID, and state you are here for LCDR Morrison. You will be directed to an area where we will line up for the procession.

There will be a reception following at Columbia Gardens Cemetery. For Columbia Gardens, please use the 2nd Rd entrance. GPS will route you to the main entrance, which is currently inaccessible due to construction. Please gather at the event center near the main entrance. Use 3324 2nd Rd N. Arlington, Virginia 22201 when entering it in your GPS.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billy’s name to the LCDR Erik S. Kristensen Memorial Scholarship Fund, Gonzaga College High School, 19 Eye Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. The scholarship benefits the sons of military families attending Gonzaga.

Please use the link below in donation, select the LCDR Kristensen fund, and in the comments mention Billy Morrison ’02.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.

The Morrison Family