William Charles Morrison

        William Charles Morrison, known as Bill, Dad, Sonny, and Brother Morrison, age 83, died Thursday, September 24, 2015 in Marshall, Michigan. 

        He was born to Andrew Alford Morrison and Minnie Elvitris Cowen on December 6, 1931 in Brighton, Arkansas, one of 13 children.  On December 11, 1954 he married Ima Ruth Keeling in Benton Harbor, Michigan and later, on April 2, 1962 they attended the Salt Lake City Temple where they were sealed together, by those having authority, for both time here on earth and also for all of eternity.  Being sealed to Ruth and other family members forever was always comforting to him; he never feared leaving this earth because he knew assuredly that when he left his home here he would have a happy reunion awaiting him.

        Bill was a member first of the Benton Harbor Branch, then the South Haven Branch, and finally the Marshall Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a very strong testimony of the Gospel.  He prayed often, his children hearing him pray aloud as they passed his bedroom door.  He loved both his family and friends, and prayed for each one individually.  Bill, along with Ruth, supported their two oldest daughters on missions to share the beliefs, hopes, and blessings of the Gospel which were integral in their lives.  For the last few years he was a greeter at church, welcoming everyone, shaking hands, and handing out programs.  He loved his church family.

        Bill served others, never finding anything too difficult or imposing.  He was also a very hard worker, providing as best he could for his family, with at times meager resources.  One time he used several layers of cereal boxes to cut insoles for his work shoes which were worn and had holes.  He often had sandwiches at work with nothing between the slices of bread, forgoing his own needs for his family.  Experiences like these were unbeknownst to his children until they were adults, for they never heard him complain.

        Bill grew up in very impoverished conditions.  To get to school he would have to walk two miles, then get in a row boat and row down the Mississippi River quite a ways, then get out of the boat and walk about two more miles to the schoolhouse.  After “graduating” from 8th grade, circumstances were so dire that he discontinued his schooling and helped his father farm to provide the bare necessities for the family.  Because of his lack of education, he had difficulty reading, and yet he always had an uncanny ability to remember birthdates (day, date, year, and ages, without having anything in writing), and called everyone on their birthday to extend his love and best wishes.  He wasn’t really concerned about what he couldn’t do.  He was more concerned about what he COULD do.

        After moving to Michigan when he was 18 to find work, Bill worked at Michigan Fruit Canners in Benton Harbor, Michigan for many years.  Later he went to work as a lathe operator at Lovejoy, Inc. in South Haven, Michigan where he worked for 27 years.  He took great pride in doing a good job, speaking proudly of the jobs he worked at.

        Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Morrison, and son, Nathan Edward Morrison.  He is survived by his children, Nadine Moore (David), Paula Ballmer (Roger), Charles Morrison (Candi), and Rebecca Lawson (Jeff), nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.  He is also survived by one sister, Elvitris Sotiriou, (Bradenton, FL), and three brothers, Ellis (Hayti, MO), Keath (Kennett, MO), and Dennis (Ashford, AL).

        Funeral Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. (16036 Old US-27 North, Marshall, Michigan  49068).  Visitation to honor Bill will be from 1:00 to 2:00.  A graveside service and interment will take place on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at North Shore Memory Gardens (Hagar Shores, Michigan).