Ellis Hobert Morris

Ellis Hobert Morris – age 95, passed quietly from this earthly life to be eternally with his King and Lord on the morning of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his home in Wilson's Mills. Born October 16, 1930, in Jackson County, NC, he was the son of the late Samuel and Othia Woods Morris. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years Clara Mae Creech and their son Mark, along with his sister Eva and brothers John Charles (JC), Bradley, and Leland. He was a longtime and faithful member of Selma Pentecostal Holiness Church. Additionally, Mr. Morris was a longtime Master Mason and a member of Masonic Lodge #320 in Selma.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a friend to many. He was quick to tell stories of family, growing up in the mountains, military service, and the various adventures and activities he enjoyed. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a simple, hard-working man who enjoyed the pleasures of working with his hands and sharing what he had with others. His was a warm, genuine, and welcoming smile.

He served 21 years of active military service (Marine Corps Reserves, Army, and Air Force) with tours in Korea and Vietnam, being also stationed at Ft Bragg, and in Japan, Germany, Charleston, SC, Honolulu, HI, Laredo, TX, and Smyrna, TN. Prior to being transferred to Germany, he visited Selma, where he met Clara Creech, who became the love of his life. After returning, they were married in Greenville, SC, and over the course of his military career, she faithfully followed him. He retired from the Air Force in July 1969.

He and the family returned to Selma the summer of 1970 and settled in Wilson's Mills in 1971, where they remained. He was employed at First Citizens Bank, in the data operations department in Raleigh. He later was tasked with overseeing implementation and integration of ATM machines into their various locations in towns and cities all over the state. He continued with First Citizens until his retirement from corporate life.

He was quite the marksman and the military served as the perfect means to develop that skill. He eventually became part of the US Air Force pistol team, participating in marksmanship matches and traveling all across the US and Japan. He received numerous awards and recommendations in this endeavor. After the military he became a judge at the National Matches in Camp Perry, OH (considered the "World Series of the Shooting Sports").

He was a member of the Johnston County Beekeepers Association. Beyond what little honey he kept for himself, he gave gallons away over the years to anyone he would meet. He also volunteered for the American Red Cross, often participating in blood drives and events. He personally donated in excess of 100 pints of blood.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm Thursday January 8, 2026 in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home with the Rev. Roy Batten and Mrs. Carol Davis Lacks officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm just prior to the funeral service. Burial, with military and masonic rites, will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park near Clayton.

He is survived by son Karl (Doug) Morris and wife Linda of Pikeville, daughter Patricia Morris of Wilson's Mills, and daughter-in-law Cathy Morris of Selma. Additionally, he is survived by grandchildren Lofton Jackson and wife Briana, Emily Hill Davis and husband Austin, Michelle Sebastian; and great-grandchildren Landon and Colson Hill, Ellis Davis, Hannah and Allison Forsythe and Benjamin Sebastian.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the American Red Cross or The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford.

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