Billy Joe Morton

Billy “Joe” Morton, 92, of the Snap Community in Carthage, TX passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on January 19, 2026. He is now reunited with the love of his life, Margie.

Born on April 14, 1933, in Mt. Pleasant, TX, to Dero and Georgia Beal Morton, Joe was a man of character and conviction. He proudly served his country for four years in the United States Navy as a submarine electrician aboard the USS Catfish and the USS Hammerhead. Upon returning to civilian life, Joe applied his skills and work ethic to a long career as a plant and field operator with Occidental Petroleum.

On December 3, 1956, Joe married Margie in Hobbs, New Mexico. In 1967, they moved to Carthage, the town they would call home for the rest of their lives. A man of deep faith, Joe was a devoted member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church. He was also a pillar of the Masonic Lodge for over 60 years, where he served with honor as a Worshipful Master.

Known to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Pawpaw Joe,” he was a man of many passions. He was an avid reader and a fixture in front of the television for Jeopardy!. He kept a sharp eye on the stock market and loved spending his afternoons on the golf course or cheering on the Carthage Bulldogs under the Friday night lights.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Dero and Georgia Beal Morton, his sisters, Linda Garrison and Juanice Taul, and granddaughter-in-law Crystal Marshall.

He is survived by his son, Mike Morton and wife Joana of Avinger, TX; and his daughter, Leann Marshall and husband Barry of Carthage, TX. His memory will be cherished by his five grandchildren: Kristi Downing and husband Nathan of Rockwall, TX; Randy Marshall and wife Brooke of Carthage, TX; Laura Morton-Crossland and husband Wes of Georgetown, TX; Holly Bonner and husband David of Joaquin, TX; and Patrick Morton and wife Brittney of Dubberly, LA, and dear friend and special caregiver Clovis Williams. He also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren who were the light of his later years: Carson, Claire, Cameron, Brett, Halle, Caston, Macie, Allie, and Addie.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church with Bro. David Gilmer and Bro. John Pages officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. A time of visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. at the church on Wednesday prior to the funeral service.

Pallbearers are Nathan Downing, Wes Crossland, Patrick Morton, Randy Marshall, David Bonner, and Caston Bonner. 

Memorials may be made to the Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 1050 CR 108, Carthage, TX 75633 or to the Six Mile Cemetery, c/o Susan Hough, 153 CR 1052, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.