William Edward Morris

William Edward Morris, 86, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, surrounded by family at Winter Haven Hospital.

Born on February 18, 1940, in Albermarle, Virginia, to Marshall Franklin Morris and Sarah Catherine Gallehugh Morris, Billy spent his entire childhood and part of his adult life in Alexandria, Virginia, before moving to Winter Haven, Florida, 50 years ago. He lived a life defined by joy, curiosity, generosity, and adventure. From an early age, he had a gift for gab and building relationships, and that spirit remained with him throughout every chapter of his life.

In addition to his deep faith and devotion to the Catholic Church, Billy was passionate about serving through the Knights of Columbus. One of his most notable honors was being named Knight of the Year in 2010, recognizing his many contributions including his roles as Lecturer and Charity Chairman. Among his proudest accomplishments were organizing the Youth Basketball Free Throw competition, providing automobiles through “Dreams of Winter Haven” for those in need, and establishing relationships with organizations to offer ongoing assistance. Many recipients continue to benefit from those efforts to this day.

Billy also found great fulfillment in building his tree business. In fact, many knew him simply as “Billy Bob” from Billy Bob’s Tree Service. Another of Billy’s great loves was escaping to the mountains, whether at the cabin in West Jefferson, North Carolina, affectionately referred to by his wife Elaine as “the high mountain house,” or more recently at the family cottage in Blairsville, Georgia. Whether he was cutting down trees, helping others, traveling, drinking coffee, or sharing stories, Billy brought energy and heart to everything he did.

More than anything, Billy cherished time with those he loved. He deeply loved his brothers, especially his older brother, Bobby, whom he greatly admired. He was also devoted to his son, Rodney, whom he raised as a single father. Billy often spoke proudly of Rodney’s accomplishments, including graduating from Army Officer’s Candidate School, retiring after 30 years of military service, and earning his Doctorate degree.

Billy loved his grandchildren immensely, and they adored their Pappy, as he was fondly known. Twenty years ago, he was fortunate to gain Elaine as his bride and immediately embraced her daughter, Tammy, as his own. He had a special gift for making people laugh, offering advice, showing kindness, and bringing people together. Many will remember not only what he did, but how he made them feel. He had a remarkable way of making everyone feel as though they were the most important person in the room.

Anyone who knew Billy, knew he never met a stranger. One fond example was befriending a young Jamaican man he met while visiting Montego Bay with his son. That friendship grew to the point that the young man traveled to the United States multiple times as a guest in the Morris home. Another example was Billy becoming the legal guardian of, and caring for, a middle-aged disabled man from Eloise, Florida.

Billy is lovingly survived by his wife, Elaine Pearson; his son, Rodney (Melissa) Morris; daughter, Tammy (Al) Hillman; granddaughters Ashley (Ray) Kincaid, Amanda Pina, Kimberly Morris, and Isabelle Houmard; grandsons Exodus Pyke, Carson Morris, Maxwell Roberts, and Wyatt Houmard; great-granddaughters Olive Kincaid and Willow Kincaid; great-grandsons Everest Kincaid and Zion Kincaid; nephews Michael (Pam) Morris, Mark (Karen) Morris, Myles (Charlene) Morris, Matthew (Cindy) Morris, and John (Christy) Morris; and niece Jill Morris Corley.

He was preceded in death by his parents and both of his brothers, Robert and Thomas Morris.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Chapel in Winter Haven, Florida, followed by a formal Knights of Columbus salute outside the chapel. Family and friends are invited to share a meal in the Fellowship Hall following the ceremony. He will be interned the following day, Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church also in Winter Haven.

The family extends special thanks to Vivo Healthcare for providing Billy with care and friendship over the last two years. In lieu of flowers, donations in Billy’s memory may be made to Vivo Healthcare Winter Haven, 2701 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven, Florida 33881, to support their continued care and community.

As Billy would often say, “I’m a working fool. I work a while—I fool a while.” He lived with remarkable positivity and encouraged everyone around him to work hard while also enjoying life to the fullest. Billy’s legacy lives on in the joy he brought to others and in the many lives made brighter simply by knowing him.