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William Carloss Morris III

1943 - 2018

William Carloss Morris III obituary, 1943-2018, Houston, TX

FUNERAL HOME

Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

1010 Bering Drive

Houston, Texas

William Morris Obituary

William Carloss Morris, III
1943-2018
Born the 20th of February 1943, in Houston, TX, Bill was the second of four children born to Doris and Carloss Morris. Raised in the piney woods of River Oaks on an acreage homestead backing up to Buffalo Bayou, Bill grew up a cowboy. His father and mother passed down to him a love of Jesus Christ and all things outdoors, especially horsemanship and hunting.
After graduating from Lamar High School in 1961, Bill attended Baylor University where he roomed with lifelong friend, Evangelist Billie Hanks Jr. Through Billie's training and encouragement, Bill's faith grew tenfold and he made a commitment to boldly share his faith with all he encountered. University was also where Bill first sparked an interest in art, when he met Pablo Picasso painting on a beach in Cannes during a summer abroad in Europe.
A law degree was a "must" in the Morris household, and Bill followed suit, attending the University of Houston Law School, where he met his future wife, Sharon Kay Floyd, of Temple, Texas attending undergraduate in the Fine Art program.
Realizing that an office job would never suit his personality, Bill ventured into real estate investing after the family sold Houston Title Company, a small firm that he had been helping operate while in law school. He started William Morris Interests in 1970, after passing the Texas State Bar exam, barely with a 70, often joking that he was the smartest guy to take the bar because he knew just what parts to study for. He had a 6th sense for sniffing out deals and finding the best corners before others could snatch them up; mostly syndicating land investments among investor friends of the family. His recounts of the Highland Village deal was the stuff of legends . . .
Walking into his office was like stepping into a museum – Bill was passionate about fine art. After selling some prized real estate holdings, William decided to delve deeper into investment grade paintings, commenting "well, I don't have to mow the grass and I don't have to pay the real estate taxes!" He loved the story behind the artwork and without any formal training, he could pick out the shining stars from the merely "good" pieces offered at auction.
Bill had a deep love of family. After marrying in 1970, Sharon and Bill had their first child, Will IV, in 1973, followed three years later (to the day) by Rachel.
After experiencing frustrating delays by the train for his afternoon tennis match on Wednesday afternoons, Bill moved his office from Post Oak Place to Willowick so that he could just walk right over to River Oaks Baptist School for all Rachel and Will's school events. He made a commitment to attend or coach every possible team sport available to the kids throughout their school life. It was also a priority for Bill to take family vacations. Lake McQueeney, Colorado, Destin, and Grand Cayman were favorite vacation spots. Bill loved to water ski, snow ski, hunt, fish, ride horses, and play tennis; all of which he passionately taught and shared with his children.
Bill was generous in spirit and wanted to be used by God to bless others and share the Gospel. Throughout his life he supported over thirty ministries and missionaries through groups such as: Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn., Campus Crusade for Christ, College of Biblical Studies (board member), David Stockwell Evangelistic Assn., Faith Comes By Hearing, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Goodwill Industries (board member), Houston Baptist University, Houston's First Baptist Church (deacon), Inspire Women, Israel Tennis Centers Assn., International Evangelism Assn. (board member), Kanakuk Ministries, Living Water International, Open Door Mission (board member), Southwestern Seminary, Spireno (Spiritual Revival Now), Star of Hope Mission (board member), The Seed Company, Young Life (host home), and Youth For Christ (board member).
Bill was dedicated to reading and telling others about God's Word (the Bible). He had no fear of man, and would often call or write to pastors to "help" correct a quote or idea that must have accidentally been mis-quoted from Scripture. Bill was passionate about the name of Jesus. A couple of his favorite verses were: Philippians 2:9-11 ". . . God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." And Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." He was often heard saying, "Rejoice Evermore, and pray without ceasing!" to anyone he greeted.
William was preceded in death by his father, Carloss Morris, his mother, Doris Poole Morris; and his nephew, John Robert Ginter, II. William is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sharon Floyd Morris, one son and daughter-in-law, Will IV and Debby Morris of Salado, Texas, one daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and John Rosson of Houston, five grandchildren: Will V, Christian, and Camille Morris, Genevieve and Michelle Rosson; Sister Marietta Maxfield, Brother Malcolm and sister-in-law Becky, Sister Melinda and brother-in-law Glen Ginter, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews whom he prayed for by name almost daily.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Michelle Moore for her 30 years of dedicated service to Bill, running the office and graciously handling all the details for our beloved eccentric investor.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock this afternoon until seven o'clock this evening Sunday, the 12th of August, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
Memorial Service will be conducted at twelve o'clock noon on Monday, the 13th of August, in the sanctuary of Houston's First Baptist Church, 7401 Katy Freeway in Houston.
Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private entombment in the Texas Liberty Mausoleum at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
In lieu of customary remembrances, please send memorial contributions to any of the above named organizations of your choice.

Published by Houston Chronicle from Aug. 10 to Aug. 12, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?





Just learning of Bill's travel to Heaven, I recall Bill during our junior high ( Lanier) and senior high (Lamar) years. We are the third generation of Morris/Norvell sons' friendship. Bill was an adventurous guy who was always exploring ideas. Intellectually, he never stopped moving forward. He was popular, well respected and a person that one knew instantly would make successful waves in life. And indeed he did, through all of his numerous charity workings. He lived a successful life.

William C. Norvell, Jr.

December 5, 2021

Hey Bill,

How are things up in Heaven i came by your office in 2013 but you were not in. I will miss you buddy. Brian

Brian Stewart

December 18, 2019

My heart is saddened in just learning that William passed away. He was a dear friend and a champion for many worthy humanitarian causes. His kind and generous spirit will be missed.

William is in God's greatest glory!

My deepest sympathy to Sharon, Malcolm, Becky and all the noble family of William Morris III.

My his memory be eternal.

John M. Tsacrios, Jr.

September 24, 2019

Sharon,
My deepest sympathy for you and Malcolm. In the short time that I had with William, I learned much about religion, art and what a true eccentric is truly is.

He was a treasure that will be sorely missed.

Rocky Sembritzky

November 7, 2018

I just found out about Bill's passing. I really hate to hear that he is gone. He was one of a kind. He was a true friend of mine. I appreciated our talks on Wednesday afternoons. He provded me with a lot of pure humor. He was fun to be around. He will be missed.
Darryl Bailey

Darryl Bailey

Friend

October 9, 2018

Greetings Sharon - so sorry for your loss. I know you and your family will be comforted as you share with each other the great memories of your life together. Forty-eight years of marriage is a great accomplishment! I would love to hear from you. Over the past two plus years, I have learned we move forward one day at a time - and sometimes it is hour by hour!! May God be your strength, your comfort, your purpose as you move forward. God bless.

Edie Connel

August 13, 2018

Dear Sharon,
I was so sorry to learn of William's passing. I just got off the phone with Gilbert, and he and Carrie would also like to express their deep condolences. Like me, Gilbert just now learned of William's passing. He is now in Paris, but wishes that he could be here. Our prayers are with you, Sharon. William was a good and generous and loving man, and he will be greatly missed. He brought much joy and beauty and wonder into our broken world, and his legacy will live on for many, many years. Blessings to you and your family,

Louis Markos

August 13, 2018

Sharon,I was at lunch today with my brother, Tom, when he told me about Bill's passing. I am so sorry I will not be able to see you and stop by to offer my condolences. I love you, my friend, and you and your sweet family are in my prayers. I have moved back to Houston, so please give me a call when you are able. All my love, Marilee Stephens (713) 502 - 9915

Marilee Stephens

August 12, 2018

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. RIP forevermore.

T W

August 12, 2018

My memories of Bill Morris recall a youthful man whose love for his faith, his family, his friends and his businesses were extraordinary. That he would insist that prayer for God's guidance and blessings over common and uncommon events was ordinary. Bill was a one-a-kind friend and associate who will be irreplaceable. With my sincere wishes for peace and acceptance to wife Sharon and their children and their families.

Raymond Goodrich

August 12, 2018

I like to offer my deepest sympathy.
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this difficult time.Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My deepest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

BL

August 11, 2018

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Memorial Events
for William Morris

Aug

12

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057

Aug

13

Memorial service

12:00 p.m.

Houston's First Baptist Church

7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX

Funeral services provided by:

Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057

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