Emory Alonzo Morris Sr.

April 9, 1932 - February 16, 2022

The Obituary Emory Alonzo Morris, Sr. peacefully transitioned this life to eternal rest on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at his home. He was born on April 9, 1932 to the late Otha Morris and Olivia Oney Morris, Laurel, Delaware. He received his early education in the public schools of Sussex County, Delaware, and graduated from William C. Jason High School in 1951. Following graduation, he matriculated to Delaware State College where he pursued a degree in Agriculture. However, after a year of study, he was drafted from Delaware State College to join the United States Army. Private First-Class Emory Morris served in the Korean War (Military Police). Completing his tour of duty, Emory received an Honorable Discharge and remained in the United States Army Reserve for the next six years. On July 27, 1957 Emory married the love of his life, Annabelle Bounds. Together they raised their four children, Ray, Emory, Jr., Sheila and Patrick, and their niece Antionette Barckley, while her mother pursued a college degree. In his early career, Emory worked as a truck driver, landscaper, and as a supervisor for Chris-Craft Corporation. He later accepted employment with Exxon Company USA as a Manager where he remained in their employment until retirement, some 32 years later. Emory met every customer with a broad smile and friendly greeting. He was a great provider, loved a good laugh, and no one was ever a stranger. Emory’s early Christian education began at Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church, Columbia, Delaware. He later became a life-member of Wesley Temple United Methodist Church, where he remained a faithful and active member until weeks before his passing. Over many years he enjoyed the Word of God, Bible Study and Sunday School, and served in several capacities; Lay Leadership Committee, Pastor Parish Relationship Committee, Trustee Board, Older Adult Ministries (Past President and Treasurer), Usher Board, and Program Chair and member of his beloved United Methodist Men. Emory shared his time with the Salvation Army Hazel Youth Center and American Legion Post 145. His love for the Church could be heard Sunday mornings as he prepared to meet the Lord humming his favorite hymn. He would often say, “My mother loved this song too – “Just a Closer Walk with Thee, granted Jesus if you please, daily walking close to thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be”. He leaves loving memories with his children, Ray (Sharon) Morris, Emory Morris, Jr. and Sheila (Fiancé Kenny Keesee) Hitch, all of Salisbury, MD; and Patrick (Zina) Morris, Laurel, MD, and niece Antionette Barckley-Hines, Annapolis, MD.; grandchildren, Ray (Ann) Morris, II, Eden, MD; Ashley Hitch, Salisbury, MD and Monique (Nathaniel) Aki, Kissimmee, Fla.; fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson; two sisters, Eleanor (Roland) Fooks, Greenwood, DE, and Marlene (Glenn) Blake, Seaford, DE; two sisters-in-law, Matilda Barckley, Glen Burnie, MD. and Bernetta (David) Leatherbury, Princess Anne, MD. and one brother-in-law, Elder John S. (Shelia) Barckley, Silver Spring, MD. and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and his dear friends of Wesley Temple United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otha and Olivia Morris, and his loving wife Annabelle Bounds Morris; sisters: Marie (James) Perkins and Margaret (Charles) Carroll; and brothers: Russell Morris, and Oliver (Vera) Morris.