HAMPTON - William Albert Morris, known to many as "Al" died peacefully in his sleep the morning of his 75th Birthday on December 22, 2017. Al was married for 49 years and is preceded in rest by his beloved wife, Cheryl Morris. Al was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a musician at heart. Al spent his entire life making music as a professional musician and sharing his love of the arts, especially jazz, with others as a music educator in Hampton Roads. Al was the band director of Thorpe Junior High School from 1966-76, Eaton Junior High School from 1976-78, and Phoebus High School from 1978-1998. As a musician, Al was a professional bass player, trombonist, and piano player and had the joy of playing for many famous performers including Della Reese, Bob Hope, Sonny and Cher, Nancy Wilson, James Brown, Keely Smith, and Pearl Bailey. He also was an original member of the Chesapeake Bay Bearcats, a Dixieland Band well known on the Peninsula. Al also performed for many events, shows, and retirement homes. Some of his favorites were the Williamsburg Occasion for the Arts, Beach Street USA, and Philips Waterside. In addition to pursuing his passion for music, Al loved reading, watching movies, discussing politics, playing poker, cooking, sailing, and was an avid runner for many years. Above all though, he was thrilled to see his 2 year old grandson, "Xander" sing and play his toy piano by FaceTime almost daily. Al's enthusiasm for life and music will be greatly missed by many. He is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Madden and husband, Brian, and grandson Alexander Morris Madden of Hoboken, N.J.; his sister, Cathy Peyton and husband, Gene, of Norfolk, Va., his sister, Betty Oliver and husband, Jerry of Virginia Beach; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Al's life will be held at 4:00 pm, Saturday, December 30, 2017 with location TBA - please call Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home at 757-827-4670 for further details. In lieu of flowers, Al's family asks that a donation be made to Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, www.mhopus.org, an organization that is dedicated to keeping music alive in schools. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of comfort with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 23666.

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Published by Daily Press from Dec. 25 to Dec. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for William Morris

Sponsored by Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park.

17 Entries

Albert Courtney

January 13, 2025

It was a great honor to learn music and play in the
H Wilson Thorpe Junior High School band for Mr. Morris from 1971-1974. I played Baritone horn and Trombone in the band and continued to play in the Hampton High band. Thanks ! You were a great band director.

Sheila Majka

December 19, 2020

We still miss Al and Cheryl so very much

Charlie Costa

December 19, 2020

Al was a respected Musician. For me I remember his Trombone and Vocals with the Bearcats which was founded by he and Ron Hallmand in High School. I remember that Dixieland Quintet mostly in Williamsburg at the Occasion for the Arts founded by Jim Anthony. The Band also had a steady Gig at the Kinsmill Hilton for Sunday Brunch.

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Lewis Wright

December 30, 2017

Our sincerest condolences. He touched a lot of lives for the better, so in some small sense, we all whom have been touched share in this loss. Praying for his family to let Him give you understanding and peace during this time. A great man has completed his journey.
Lewis Wright and Family

Donna Griffin

December 30, 2017

To the Morris family,
Mr. Morris will truly be missed by many but I pray that God gives you strength and comfort during this time.
PHS Class of 1997 (Bass drum/ Cymbals)

hauke powers

December 28, 2017

To the Morris Family,
Having been in the music field my entire life beginning in Junior High and going into High School at Indian River in the mid 1970's, Mr. Morris's name was very well respected by ALL in the Band scene as well as the professional music arena. You as a family has been so blessed to have such a treasure in your lives. And we, the legions of fellow musicians, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing him and his wonderful gift of music with us. May Mr. Morris play in Heaven's Orchestra forever..

Doing what I was meant to do, just like Al.

Michael Durig

December 27, 2017

When I starting playing in the Hampton Roads area back in 1996, Al was on that first band. I played the Tides Baseball game with him on a bright sunny Sunday afternoon and I played with several times there after. Each time was a true pleasure. I ended up teaching for Hampton City Schools as well. I will miss him and I wish his family the best during this trying time. God Bless each of you.

Griffin

December 27, 2017

So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.

Tracy Devine

December 27, 2017

Rest in Peace, Mr. Morris. I have the fondest memories of the time I spent as your student. Thank you so much for your inspiration and your contagious love of music.

December 27, 2017

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your loved one. Hoping you will find comfort in the love and support of family and friends. Psalms 119:76

Jasmine McClain

December 27, 2017

Mr. Morris always inspired me to be better. Not just at playing my instrument, but at anything I wanted to do. There were no limits. I have carried that even through my adult years. He will be truly missed.

Brian Hunter

December 27, 2017

He was an outstanding band director and a gift to the Phoebus community! I'm truly honored to have played under his leadership (1996-98). He was the core of PHS jazz and funk roots. I remember even before my freshman year (1996), there was a great anticipation to be a part of the high-steppin', dancin' and playin' band at PHS.

He once paused a jazz ensemble rehearsal and told us, Hey! That sounded like wet bread...It needs to sound like grape kool-aid! We nailed our horn lines after that remark! He had a great sense of humor to compliment his drive for excellence in musicianship. Friday nights at Darling stadium were more special because of what the band brought to the field! People didn't come out just for football- they came to see and hear the band!

I still actively play trumpet and piano. Mr. Al Morris remains an inspiration. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on through the many musicians and leaders he mentored.

Brian Hunter
C/O 2000

Linda Coltes

December 26, 2017

Mr. Morris was an outstanding musical director to all of his students. Two of my sons were in the Phoebus High School Band and both in the Jazz Band. They loved Mr. Morris so very much and he was so patient in teaching all of his students. I know he will be greatly missed by those who knew/know and love him so well. Thank you Mr. Morris for all you did for my two sons and for many other of your students. You were and will always be loved by them. May your family be comforted in the coming days, weeks, months and years. May you continue to make music in the next life and share your talents there as you did in mortality. Thank you for your great contribution to music. It was greatly appreciated by so many in the Hampton Area Schools and Communities. May you rest in peace, but also be a band director on the other side. Thanks for all you did to make the world a better place by sharing your talents.

December 26, 2017

My first year of teaching Al was the band director. His guidance and help made my first year of teaching much easier. Over the years Al and I had many memories forged at Daily Press Christmas concerts, All-City events, and a multitude of events. When the All-City Ensemble was asked to sing at the Super Dome for tha AASA convention, Al played bass and Cheryl went along as well. When Jenny joined the KHS Choir, Al and Cheryl attended every performance. Al was an accomplished musician, a true educator, and a fine man. I will miss not running into him, occasionally and reading his posts on Facebook. I know tonight he is in heaven gigging with all the jazz greats. Betsy Forrest

Charlie Costa

December 26, 2017

Al was a good friend and fine musician. The Chesapeake Bearcats were together for many decades. He loved to do vocals as well as playing his trombone.
I am sure many of his HS students will join with friends and other Musicians Saturday to celebrate his life. He will be greatly missed.

Sheila Majka

December 25, 2017

Al left such a mark on this world...so many friends, so many successes, so many talents...we are all thankful to have known him. How he would have celebrated his 75th birthday with his loving family, but I guess we must assume that he chose to celebrate it with Cheryl. We will all miss his humor, his political commentaries, and his continuous Facebook bragging about his family.

December 25, 2017

Please accept our condolences on the loss of your loved one. May you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Psalms 119:76*

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