Bill Morrison

1928 - 2024

Bill Morrison passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024, succumbing to a lengthy bout with stomach cancer. We celebrate the fact that he now has a new body, is in the glorious presence of Jesus, and is enjoying a reunion with his wife of 75 years, Avery, and their first and third sons, Billy and Jimmy, in heaven. Bill was 96 at his death. He and Avery had been residents of Pensacola since 1972. Bill was born William Artemus Morrison, Jr. - the third of thirteen children - in Wedowee, AL, on August 6, 1928; his wife, Avery, was also born in Wedowee a mere two months later. They both grew up in the little communities of Corinth and Folsom, adjacent areas just outside of Wedowee. When asked, Bill indicated that there was never a time he could remember that he didn't know Avery. He indicated that they were about 14 years old when they became sweethearts, both being students at Randolph County High School…. and sweethearts they remained until their marriage at the tender age of 17. Too young to wed for sure, though it's hard to argue with 75 years of happy marriage! After they married, Bill worked a short time at Avery's dad's sawmill, then in his uncle's grocery store in Folsom. Soon, though, he was hired by the Alabama Coca-Cola Bottling Company to work as a Relief Salesman in Sylacauga, AL, driving a rural Coke route only when a regular worker was out. By age 22, they had moved to nearby Lineville, AL, where he drove a regular route; by this time, their family had added 3 little boys to the mix: Billy, Bob and Jimmy. His relationship with Coke proved a keeper, and lasted his entire working life, with him retiring in Pensacola in 1989 as the President of the Hygia Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Associated Bottling Companies throughout the Southeast and Midwest. The strength of their union and their faith were tested through the years as they lost two of their boys - Jimmy by drowning at age 2½, and Billy in a Coke truck accident at age 19 as he worked for his dad during the summer between his freshman and sophomore years in college. Their strong faith allowed them to remain positive in their approach to life through these two losses and served as an inspiration to all who knew them, but especially to their son, Bob. While Bill was certainly known as the "Coke man" throughout his life, what defined him even more was his strong faith in God. Wherever they lived, he had his family plugged in to the church and its activities. He served in multiple lay leader positions along the way, at one time serving as chairman of deacons. It was important to him to pass his passion for Christ and His Church to his entire family. Also active in civic affairs, he served in key leadership roles in the Jaycees, the Rotary Club, the Salvation Army, the United Way, and Florida Blood Bank. He was also involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and with the Baptist Hospital Board, serving as chairman in the mid-eighties. For several years he was honored to serve as President of the Corporation of First Baptist Church, Pensacola. Bill is survived by his son, Bob (Annette) of Pensacola; his grandsons, Jeremy of Montrose, CO, and Landon (Natalie) of Rochester, NY; his great grand-children (Jeremy and Becca's children), Jonas, Nyla and Aviva Ora; and three siblings, Fred, Wendell and Juliette. He is preceded in death by his wife, Avery; their two sons, Billy and Jimmy; his parents, William A. and Velma Morrison, his grand-daughter-in-law, Becca; and nine of his siblings. For their love and care, the family expresses appreciation to their church family and staff at First Baptist Church, Pensacola, to the caregivers and staff at Willowbrooke Court, Azalea Trace, in Pensacola, and to the caregivers from Emerald Coast Hospice, also of Pensacola. A Celebration of Life service will take place in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church, Pensacola, FL, on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM, Drs. Barry Howard and Dave Snyder officiating; visitation is one hour prior. For their Alabama friends and family, a Graveside Service will take place at the Corinth Cemetery near Wedowee, AL, the next day, Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to give to First Baptist Church of Pensacola (Music Ministry or Missions), to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes 500 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32501 or to their favorite charity.