Joseph Morris

Joseph J. Morris 12-11-28 – 5-12-25

Caddyshack’s up and down the East Coast observe a moment of silence today in respect to the passing of Joe Morris. The best loop a caddy could get. A good caddy was always due a hot dog, a drink, and a “Tip”.

Joe Morris was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, on December 11, 1928. He was an All-State Quarterback at St. Petersburg High School and played quarterback at the University of Tampa. He scored a touchdown against Florida State (after it became co-ed).

During high school, he was curb hop in St. Pete, where he met Sue Hillman, his future wife. Joe joined the Army and served in Korea for 4 years. When he returned from duty, he married. He and his new bride moved to Bay City, Michigan, where he continued his career as a curb hop. When the season was completed, he moved to Flint, Michigan, and started selling cemetery lots door to door. A neighbor was impressed with his work ethic and offered him a new selling opportunity in mobile home sales.

Based in Michigan, Joe started selling mobile homes throughout the Midwest. A natural hardworking salesman, Joe rose through the ranks of the company, eventually being promoted to become the President and CEO of Champion Home Builders, one of the largest companies in the US of manufactured homes.

Joe was predeceased in death by his wife, Sue, and daughter, Julie. He is also survived by three sons: Joe Morris II and his wife, Lynn, who reside in St. Petersburg, Florida; Jeff and his wife, Nonie, of Hampstead; and Jon and his wife, Cindy, of Syracuse, New York. He has 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving companion, Claudette Brown and her son, Ted Brown and wife Michelle of Hampstead, her daughter, Cindi Brown of Buford, GA; three grandsons and three great-grandchildren, who have been an important part of Joe and our family. The small amount of grey hair that Claudette has developed resulted from being part of our family over the past 30 years.

The family will receive visitors from 4-6pm, Sunday, May 18, at Andrews Hampstead Chapel.

A graveside service will be held at 10am, Monday, at Sea Lawn Memorial Park in Hampstead.

In lieu of flowers, take time to share a smile with friends. Remember Joe’s favorite saying: “Life is Good”, and sing his favorite song, “Shoo Fly Pie”.