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BORN
1921
DIED
2021
Walter Morris Obituary
Dr. Walter Herbert Morris passed peacefully at home Friday March 5, 2021 in El Cerrito, California surrounded by his family.
Born on July 12, 1921 in Plateau, Alabama, Dr. Morris came to the Oakland Bay area in 1958 after completion of his studies at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC. He retired in April of 2011, after serving more than 50 years as an orthopedic surgeon in the East Bay. Dr. Morris' counsel was sought by local and national leaders throughout his career.
Dr. Morris was a proud veteran of World War II, serving in the historic U.S. Army's 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion ("Triple Nickles") and a voracious reader of history who pursued a life-long love of learning through his work, volunteerism and travel.
Dr. Morris was preceded in death by his wife of more than 61 years Lela Duffel Morris and his son-in-law Gregory Bell. He was the last surviving sibling of ten children of Lorenzo and Alice Bradley Morris. He leaves to mourn his children Walter Herbert Morris, Jr. (Cynthia), Alice, Margaret Martinez (Ricardo) and Victoria Bell. He was the proud grandfather of Anne Reid (Justice), Lela Martinez (Steve Frank), Alice Bell, Jessica Shead (DeShawn), Walter Herbert Morris, III, Gabriela Martinez, Margaret Bell and Marian Bell and six great-grandchildren.
Dr. Morris will be missed by his many surviving nieces, nephews and countless friends throughout the country.
Due to COVID concerns, a small family service will be held followed by a celebration of his extraordinary life later in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Downs Memorial in memory of Walter H. Morris MD, or to Howard University College of Medicine (giving.Howard.edu).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Morris
Jeffrey A Beaver
March 22, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. May God bless and protect the family and grant us all Peace which passeth all understanding. God's Peace! Dr. Morris was an exceptional individual!
Cassandra Wallace
March 20, 2021
On behalf of the Lewis-Wallace family, we send our condolences to Alice and the Morris family. We are so grateful to have met Mr. Morris and seen only a semblance of his grace, wisdom, and pride in his ancestry. Thank you to the Morris family for being so welcoming in the short time that we've known each other. Sending all of our love and prayers to the family! -From the Descendants of Cudjoe Lewis
Cynthia MacLeod
March 20, 2021
Dr. Morris was a man whom I admired and respected for many reasons, his kindness being chief among them. Having known him for over 30 years, I have always been impressed with the patriarch of this wonderful family, for his strength and generosity, for his love of family. My love and sincerest best wishes for healing go to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I was honored to have known him.
Winona
March 15, 2021
I would like to say The Good Lord called home another great soldier for health justice. Dr.Morris and Mrs. Morris and his sister Lillian Morris Gideon were all special people who all loved life and family. What a beautiful family legacy of warmth, resilience, pride, hard work, and excellence they have passed down. Just grateful to have known them and shared some of that extended fam kinda love. God auntie Winona
Maya Nesbit
March 15, 2021
My prayers to Alice Morris on the loss of your beloved father. What a life well lived!
BRUCE EASLEY
March 14, 2021
A life well lived; 2 Timothy 4: 7-8
Joanna Wood
March 11, 2021
A treasure! Will be greatly missed.
Joanna and Ben Wood
Steven Frank
March 11, 2021
What a great man. It was an honor to have known him
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