Robert Morris, Jr.

Robert Morris Jr. departed this life on Saturday August 12th, 2023, after a brief illness, to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Robert was born on November 25th, 1955, at the Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Robert was the son of the late Robert Morris Sr.  and Carolyn Hopkins Morris. Robert’s education was provided by the Bristol Borough School District, and he graduated from High School on June 4th, 1974.  While in high school Robert was a key member of the Bristol High School basketball team affectionately known by friends and family as “Byrd.” He was given that nickname by a very close family friend because he soared through the air like a bird. His Afro, which was huge, could be seen ebbing and flowing through the air as he sailed to the basket. Robert received many honors as a star player and was known for hitting long shots before the three-point score came into existence. Had it been available at that time, he would have been numbered as one of the best, if not the best, due to his contributions to the team. He was inducted into the Bristol High School Hall of Fame in January 2009. Upon graduation from high school, he continued his education at Lincoln University, HBCU, and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He graduated from Lincoln in 1980. 

Byrd began his 40-year career in the food service industry, as a business administrator, in Queens, NY. He then migrated to Prince Georges County Maryland. He was employed by US Fortune 500 and global 500 companies, Aramark and Sodexo. Robert served as the general manager of government services. During his last employment through Sodexo, he was responsible for the daily operations of the mess hall, serving the marines at the Naval Support Facility in Indianhead, MD. 

Robert was a member of the Coalition of Concerned Black Christian Men of Prince George’s County. Robert loved the spirit of the men involved and their focus on the community. Robert always believed that we should give back to those who are not able to care for themselves. “How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” – Psalm 133:1.

Robert was an avid golfer and sought every opportunity to play the game across the country. Robert enjoyed spending golf and fellowship with his brothers, Jerome Easton, Sam Ivy, Jerry Shaw, and Mike Crawford, just to name a few. On his various trips around the country Robert would always carry his golf clubs and find time to indulge in what he called a relaxing sport.

Robert leaves to mourn his fiancé Carole Lee, his wing girl and travel buddy. She had been his partner for the past eight years. They traveled together visiting many different locations through the various cruises and time share locations that they took over the years. The family called them the King and Queen of the cruise industry because they were always going somewhere at least two or three times a year. Robert loved Carole very deeply and during his last days he would always tell his sister Cheryl to talk everything through with her since she was his primary care giver. They had a love that you don't see very often. 

Robert also leaves to mourn two sons Jermaine Moore (Erin) of Eliot, ME and Lance Morris (Candice) of Prince Georges County, MD; sisters and brothers, Cheryl Murkey, of Bristol, PA; Michelle Morris, of Levittown, PA; Brian Morris, of Levittown, PA; Maurice (Pete) Morris Sr. of Bristol, PA and Marcia Morris of Bristol PA. Grandchildren Biruk (Audrey), Avery, Amelle (Tapiwa), Amaya Moore, and Chayden and Leo Hill; Great grandchild Malcolm, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.  

“I have fought the good fight I have finished the course; I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me on that day.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8:  

Sorrowfully Submitted the Family