William (Bill) Noel Morris, Jr.

William Noel (Bill) Morris Jr. passed away peacefully in Memphis, the city he loved and dedicated his life to serving, at the age of 92 on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Born on September 29, 1932, in Fulton, Mississippi, during the depths of the Great Depression, Bill rose from humble beginnings to become a defining figure in the modern history of Memphis and Shelby County. His legacy as a public servant spanned decades: from 1964 to 1970, he served as the youngest elected Shelby County Sheriff, and from 1978 to 1994, he was elected four times as Shelby County Mayor, the longest serving in the county's history.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Ann Norton Morris; his sister, Kathleen Morris Holley; his grandson, Hunter Braden Morris; and his parents, William N. Morris Sr. and Beulah Page Morris.

He is survived by his sister, Gladys Morris Linton, Cordova, TN, brother in law, John Norton, Wynne, AR, four devoted children: Jeffery Ward Morris of Memphis; Jane Morris Stephens (Mark) of Memphis; William (Trey) Noel Morris III (Vicki) of Bossier City, LA; and John Wesley Morris (Denise) of Memphis. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

As sheriff, Bill ushered in a bold reform agenda. He garnered national and international attention in 1968 when he took custody of James Earl Ray, the confessed assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bill's professionalism and care in handling the case helped Memphis navigate one of the most challenging chapters in its history.

His time as county mayor was marked by vision and results. Bill championed economic development, helped attract major Japanese investment to the region, led the successful campaign to relocate International Paper's headquarters to Memphis, and was instrumental in keeping St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the city. He played key roles in the creation of the National Civil Rights Museum and The Pyramid, and his insistence on a "strong mayor" form of governance helped solidify Shelby County's executive leadership for generations to come.

Bill was admired for his ability to connect with people from every walk of life. Whether speaking with laborers or corporate executives, he believed deeply in treating every person with dignity and respect. His empathy was rooted in his own early experiences-working in a curb market at age 10 and logging 66-hour workweeks in high school while also learning the printing trade and American Sign Language to communicate with his deaf coworkers.

After attending junior college, Bill enrolled at Memphis State University, where he studied journalism and even interviewed the legendary Memphis political boss E.H. "Boss" Crump. That early encounter would be the first of many with figures who would shape American history. Over the course of his life, Bill and Ann formed lasting friendships with icons including Elvis Presley, U.S. presidents, civil rights leaders, and world-renowned entertainers.

After attending Memphis State, Bill served two years in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina receiving an Honorable discharge in 1956.

Bill's leadership journey accelerated through his work with the Memphis Jaycees, a group of civic-minded young professionals. As Jaycees president at just 28, he met entertainer and philanthropist Danny Thomas during the founding of St. Jude’s-an encounter that would later influence Bill's role in preserving the hospital's Memphis roots.

In 1964, at age 31, Bill entered the race for Shelby County Sheriff, campaigning on unity, fairness, and progress. He won against the odds and led during a pivotal time in the Civil Rights Movement. He revoked discriminatory policies, enforced the Civil Rights Act, and worked to build trust with the African American community-decisions that shaped the future of law enforcement in Memphis.

Following his 16 years as county mayor, Bill devoted himself to causes close to his heart. He became a tireless fundraiser and ambassador for the University of Memphis, refusing a salary and requesting only an office from which to work. In 1983, he was named Distinguished Alumnus, and the university honored him by establishing the William N. Morris Chair of Excellence in International Economics.

Bill was also a dedicated and passionate Scouting leader whose lifelong commitment to youth development left a lasting impact on the Scouting community. He served in numerous leadership roles, including on the Chickasaw Council Advisory Board, as President of the Kentucky-Tennessee region, Explorer Advisor, School Night for Scouting coordinator, Region 5 Director, and as a member of both the National Committee on Urban Relationships and the National Cub Scout Committee.

In recognition of his extraordinary service and exemplary character, Bill was honored with Scouting America's highest awards: the Silver Beaver Award, for distinguished service at the council level, and the Silver Antelope Award, for exceptional leadership and service to youth across his Council Service Territory. His legacy of service, mentorship, and dedication will continue to inspire future generations.

Though of all his accomplishments, Bill considered his greatest and most meaningful role to be the one he undertook after public office-caring for Ann following her debilitating stroke. The couple had married in 1953, just two days after her graduation from Humes High School, where she was a classmate of Elvis Presley. Their 63-year marriage was a profound partnership rooted in love and resilience. "Those years caring for Ann were the most satisfying of my life," Bill once said. "We didn't look back-we looked forward."

A man of deep Christian faith, Bill was a longtime member of First Evangelical Church in Memphis. His life was a testament to servant leadership, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to his family, community, and values.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10am-12pm at First Evangelical Church, 735 Ridge Lake Blvd, Memphis, TN.

Funeral services will take place at First Evangelical Church on August, 2, 2025 immediately following visitation at 12pm.

The family respectfully requests a private graveside service following the funeral at First Evangelical Church. Memorial Park Funeral Home will oversee arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Church Health Center.