Submitted by: Dan Rich
Aug. 6, 1916 - April 6, 2008
Outh Bend Tribune 4/8/2008
SOUTH BEND - Mr. William H. McMorris, 91, passed away
April 6th at approximately 3 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Hospital.
William was born to the union of Edward and Pearlie McMorris on
August 6, 1916, in Fulton County, Kentucky. He grew up in South
Bend and graduated from Central High School. He was united in
marriage to Allene Bailey on March 10, 1953. William was
an artist and co-owner of Custom Exhibits from which he retired
in 1981. He was reported as one of the first black lifeguards at
South Bend's historic Natatorium on West Washington Street. He
enjoyed baseball, football and yard work.
William was preceded in death by his
parents, Edward and Pearlie McMorris; a brother, Raymond
McMorris; and a son, William H. McMorris Jr. Those left behind to
cherish his memory include his devoted wife of 55 years, Allene
McMorris; a sister, Annie Lois Davis of Columbus, OH;
three daughters, Patricia Bailey, Pamela Harris and
Luann McMorris; a granddaughter, Carmen (Jonathan) Williams;
two great-grandchildren, Zion Joy Williams and Jonathan Isaiah
Williams, all of South Bend; along with a great host of other
relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. McMorris will be
held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, in the Greater St. John
Missionary Baptist Church, where visitation hour will be one hour
before services. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Clark-O'Neal Funeral
Home.