Willie Joe Morris (affectionately known as Pastor Joe) was the son of Mary Morris and the late Elijah Morris. He was born on August 12, 1954 in Sylvania, Georgia. He suddenly departed this life on September 2, 2013

At the age of thirty-two he married Marguerite R. Morris who over the next twenty-seven years was his wife, companion, and friend. During their marriage they were blessed with a daughter, the late Katherine Sarah Morris. He founded the Shekinah Temple of Jesus Christ, New Beginnings Christian Worship Center and the Love of God in Christ Jesus Church.

Pastor Joe received his early education through the Screven County, Georgia School System graduating in 1972. In 1980 he joined the United States Air Force admirably completing his initial training through the Community College of the Air Force and in addition, he attended Burlington County Community College. He served his country from 1980 to 1995 and his tours of duty took him to England, and South Korea. His career path was in the field of telecommunications as an Engineering Technician. Between 1990 and 1995 he was selected to oversee and direct the deactivation and regionalization of two, multi-million dollar Standard Base Level Computer Systems completing the highly complex operation weeks ahead of schedule. During his tour of duty he received various service recognitions such as the Joint Service Achievement award, Meritorious Services award, Air Force Commendation award and as a retiree received additional special recognition for his response in the wake of the Sept 11, 2001 crisis.

Following his 1995 retirement Pastor Joe continued serving his country through various DOD contractors such as ManTech, culminating with 15 years at the United States Pentagon. At the time of his death he was employed at Lockheed Martin. He answered the call to pastor in 1995 and has since been looked upon as an Overseer, Teacher, and a Preacher. His early Christian ministry included him serving as a deacon in the Church of God In Christ and included being ordained as a Pastor under Bishops Varle and Buck Rollins of Living Waters Worship Center. At the time of his death, Pastor Joe served as the Pastor and Overseer of the Love of God in Christ Jesus Church in Hollywood serving under the guidance and tutelage of Pastor Daniel Salley of Redeeming Life Ministries International.

Pastor Joe, a man of many talents, found it hard to say no and many believed he could figure out how to do most anything. He volunteered for organizations such as Operation Santa and the Leah's House Homeless shelter, and through the years worked part-time at several youth centers. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, and played several musical instruments including the horn and keyboard. Though his life was brief he impacted the lives of many, both male and female, young and old, who sought him out as avid listener.

He went home to be with the Lord and to join his daughter Katherine Sarah Morris who preceded him in death on May 6, 2012. Remaining here to cherish his memory are Reverend Marguerite Morris, his mother Mary Morris, sister Lizzie O'Neal, and brothers Daniel Morris (Elizabeth) and Ezekiel Morris (Denise) twelve grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, special friends Gary and Michele Myers, and Angel and Mandy DeJesus along with a bountiful array of other relatives, and other special friends.

Local services for Pastor Joe were conducted at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home in Mechanicsville on Sunday September 8, 2013. A second service will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 in his home State of Georgia at Springhead Methodist Church, 107 Springhead Rd, Sylvania. Rev. Marguerite Morris suggest that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his memory to For Kathy's Sake Inc. at http://www.forkathyssake.com or mail to P.O. Box 203, Callaway, MD 20620.

Arrangements proivded by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home.