Reverand Dr. Samuel Oliphant Morris III

Yesterday, I just learned of Bro. Sam's passing. How sad for the rest of us.
Anyone who ever met Bro. Sam would be grieved at his passing.
Bro. Sam married my wife and me. It took, it was forty years ago.
If every man had Sam's spirit and love for all, this country would have a touch of heaven.
With deep sadness love to his family.
Bill and Samanthia Cassidy

Sam came to Starkville, MS as our youth minister in 1980 and radically changed my outlook on being a Christ follower. He was able to love us all very deeply and challenged us to share Christ with others. I well remember travelling on weekends with Sam in an old Mercedes Benz (had to have had 400,000 miles or more) to speak to youth gatherings around the state. Youth were important to him- he remembered their names and interests and they reached out to Christ through him as a result. I spent 15 years in youth ministry as a direct consequence of my time with Sam. I will always be grateful to Judy, Sammy, Abe and Ike for sharing their husband and dad with me and so many others. It must have been hard to have Sam be gone so often. I will never forget the poignant introduction Sam got when he was speaking at the "Breaking Through in '82" New Year's Retreat at Camp Sumatonga. The moderator said to the some 600 or so attendees "Our speaker for tonight needs no introduction. However, as a testimony to his ministry, how many of you are in full-time Christian service as a result of his ministry? And 20-25 adults stood. And how many of you are followers of Christ as a result of Sam's ministry? and another 20-25 people stood up. Now how many of you know Christ as a result of someone who is already standing? And then there were almost none who did not stand" Sam, you walked the walk and talked the talk and have finished the race and claimed the prize. We all look forward to seeing you again one day. Your forever brotehr in Christ

Tom Lowery

Wonderful minister and wonderful teacher!!

Sam and I took our first trip to the Holy Land as part of the same group of pastors in 1994-1995. It was on that trip that I came to know him as a person. What a great man! I also got to know him as a worship leader. In the wilderness where Jesus struggled with Satan, Sam lead us in an impromptu communion service using nabs and grape Nehi. That moment is still the most meaningful worship of my life. Sam, you will be missed.

Sam was an unforgettable guide on the trip I took to the Holy Land with others from DUMC and churches throughout the South. What a special god-like man!
I feel blessed to have know him. May God hold all Sam's loved ones in His arms.

We were honored to have taken the last pilgrimage to Israel with Sam this past February. Sam's love and compassion for the Holy Land and it's people inspired us all and made our trip one we will never forget. We will see you again my friend.
Bill and Nicole Sullivan

Judy, I am thankful to have worked with and known you and Sam as partners in ministry and friends. May the peace of God and the sweet memories of your life together comfort you in the days ahead. Peace & Love,
Martha Alexander
Clinton, MS

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sam was such an inspiration and influenced so many lives for Christ. I was a member of the Junior High group at Alta Woods Methodist Church and remember his kindness, talent and above all his love for all of us. Sam will always have a very special place in my heart.

So sad to hear of Sam's death. I was a member of the Junior High group at Alta Woods Methodist when Sam was our Youth Minister. Sam was such a inspiration and influenced so many lives. He will always have a very special place in my heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cathy (Cooke) Butler

Judy and family, Elizabeth and I are very saddened to hear of Sam's passing. He was a pastor in the truest sense--supportive, understanding, compassionate, non-judgmental. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and whose lives he influenced. He was a true Man of God.

Judy and family,

Elizabeth and I are truly saddened to hear of Sam's passing. He was a pastor in the truest sense--caring, compassionate, understanding, non-judgmental. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and were the recipients of his unique pastoral qualities. We were proud to have him as our friend. He was truly a Man of God.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.