D.M. Morris

D. M. (Buster) Morris of Paragould passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2008. Buster was born on March 15, 1913 near Rector, Arkansas. He was the son of Melvin and Grace Easton Morris. His father preceded him in death while the family was fairly young and his mother was remarried to W. J. Rogers – a man Buster admired greatly. That marriage joined two families together with a wide age range. Those who preceded him in death were sisters; Lucille, Louise, Neva Bell and Rosetta; brothers Logan, Clyde, Hershel and Frank, in addition to his parents, Willie and Grace Morris Rogers. One grandson, Chad Morris and three daughters-in-law, Mitzi, Wanda Lee, and Shelbye also preceded him in death. He was married to Bessie Marie Ray on December 3, 1932 and they recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. To this union came four sons, Gerald, James, Irvin and Gary, 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Survivors include their four sons and spouses: Gerald and June; James and Wanda of Piggott; Irvin and Sue of Paragould; and Gary and Sue of Lafe. Also surviving are three brothers, Herman and Therman Morris and Donald Rogers and families. Buster was active in the ministry among General Baptist churches in northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri for approximately 70 years and he continued to teach his beloved Sunday school class at Grace United General Baptist Church until his health deteriorated about a year ago. Visitation will be held at Heath Funeral Home in Paragould Tuesday evening from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and the funeral will be held at Grace United General Baptist Church in Paragould at 2 p.m. on Wednesday January 23, 2008 with Reverend Gary Morris (son) and Reverend Kevin Morris (grandson) officiating. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery. Pallbearers are Ed Morris, Alan Morris, Roger Morris, Stan Morris, Travis Tompkins and Kyle Morris. Reverend James H. Dortch, Reverend Ronnie Stephens, Reverend Royce Schanda and Reverend Kevin Abbott are honorary pallbearers. If you would like to leave a lasting memorial, please consider the Agape House, PO Box 1056, Paragould, AR 72450.