Billy Ray Morrison

Billy Ray Morrison, a retired Acura salesman and lifelong resident of Polk County, Florida, went home to his Lord and Savior on September 21, 2021 at the age of 73. Billy is survived by his lovely bride of 42 years, Edith Morrison (née Tuck); his puddin’ breaths, Richard Morrison (Waynesville, NC), Mary Reynolds (Lakeland, FL), Matthew (Tatiana) Morrison (Lakeland, FL), Melissa (Joshua) Walker (Fort Meade, FL), Sarah (Matthew) Redfern (Fort Meade, FL), Susanna (Dominic) Couch (Lakeland, FL); 18 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Betty Edmund, Sidney (Lanny) King, Ron Morrison, Mike (Megan) Morrison; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his brother, Edgar Morrison. Billy looked forward to meeting the grandchildren that were lost to miscarriage and believed he would see them in Heaven. Born in Lake Wales, Florida on June 7, 1948 to Julius Ray and Mary Matilda Morrison, Billy was hard working, athletic, competitive, hilarious, and extremely confident. He remembered fondly his childhood in the West Scenic Park neighborhood, before moving and graduating from Bartow Senior High School. In March 1968, Billy Ray was drafted to serve in the United States Army during Vietnam. He proved an excellent soldier - loyal, strong, brave, and proud. He served his country honorably and was a strong supporter of vets. Like many of his brothers in arms, he suffered from the effects of Agent Orange for the rest of his life. On December 30, 1977, as Billy was dining at the Ponderosa in Lakeland, the love of his life walked in. Billy and Edie married on Valentine’s Day 1979, and he worked hard to support her and the beautiful family they built together. Total opposites, their marriage was a picture of faithfulness, loyalty, and enduring love that continues to be an inspiration. The greatest encounter Billy ever had was with Jesus. Raised in church by a wonderful mama, Billy Ray knew all of the songs and scripture, had even walked down some aisles, but not until 1986, working the night shift at the phosphate mines, did the scales fall from his eyes and he repented of his sins and believed in the Lord for salvation. Forgiven and free, the sanctification process continued for the rest of his life. His legacy includes many valleys, and a poignant model of asking for and offering forgiveness, as well as the peaks of loving scripture, praying for and with his children, putting on the armor of God, and a blessed assurance that never wavered. His unparalleled work ethic, and the conviction he shared with his wife to homeschool their children, saw his week filled with any OT he could get. Even so, he was intentionally present with his family, carefully instructing them in everything from basketball, Monopoly, painting, bass fishing, Rummy 500, DIYing, Bible quizzing, and committing to the local church, all while singing, joking, fighting, and never quitting. He even made time to attend Polk Community College, earning an AA, while making the Dean's List, and giving him bragging rights for the next 30 years. An enigma, equal parts silly and ferocious, Billy’s light shined brightest in his generosity. He frequently stopped to help strangers, kept bags of essentials close by to give away, saved his change to share with his granddarlins, and was a prolific Publix shopper whose kids got the BOGOs. Recently moved to Fort Meade, Billy Ray’s last year was spent greatly enjoying mowing his acreage, reading his Bible, proudly memorizing the Ten Commandments, and attending church at First Baptist. The first Saturday of every month, he was at the Veteran’s Breakfast held at the Broadway Diner in Bartow. The last to stop working, the first to leave a party, and quick to put a glass of tea in the hand of a guest, Billy will be greatly missed by all who had the honor to know him. Family will receive friends from 10 to 11 am Thursday, September 30, 2021 at the First Baptist Church of Fort Meade. The Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Fort Meade with Pastor Kenny Slay officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Wildwood cemetery in Bartow, FL. Condolences to the family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com