Ronald Morris, Sr.

Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, Ronald Morris Sr., was born on September 14, 1955, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Eddie “Hot” Morris and the late Charlene Taylor. Private First Class Morris took his last stance on the battlefield at John Dingell Veterans Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, on January 15, 2023.

Ronald attended Saginaw Public Schools and was a graduate of Saginaw High School, Class of '73. At an early age, he professed his faith in Jesus Christ and joined the church.

Ronald joined the United States Army on February 27, 1976. Private First Class Morris received special training to operate the “Gatling Gun” on the Army tank. He served in Budingen, Germany from 1976-1979. During his time in Germany, Ronald became lifelong friends with Len Corbett and Frankie Gaskins. Private First Class Morris also received the Marksman commendation for the M-16 as well. Our protector was blessed with a special set of skills. After returning home, Ronald attended Delta College to further his education. Shortly after school, he obtained employment with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for several years. Later, he became a Sanitation worker for the City of Saginaw.

Ronald relocated to Inkster, Michigan, with his family for a short time before moving to Detroit, Michigan. He was a member of the Church of Our Father Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Burnard Byles. Ronald was a member of the Mass Choir, and he also sang solo when called upon. He also served with Men in Praise, and the Safety and Security Ministries until his health declined.

Ronald was truly loved by many and his love for sports was a highlight for him. His biggest craze in sports was The Michigan Wolverines VS Ohio State Football, where he would go back and forth with his son-in-law, Larry. Ronald was truly a diehard Detroit Lions fan as well.

Ronald's life was cherished by a very special friend, Geraldine Robinson, who preceded him. His life will forever be cherished in the lives of his children, Ronald Lamar Jr., Saginaw, Michigan, and Latrina (Larry) Waldon, Inkster, Michigan; grandchildren, Kiara Coakley, Jas’Mine Bracey, Donjudis Myles, O’Marrion Drake, Jaliyah McCulloh, Ny'ari, Amiya, Carter, and Caleb Morris; great-granddaughter, Jaspir Martin; siblings, Debra Collins, Bowie, Maryland, Eddie Collins, Robert Morris, Bay City, Michigan, Janet Moore, Saginaw, Michigan, Sharon (EJ) Mack, Jacksonville, Florida; a host of nieces, nephews, and special cousins; one surviving aunt, Faith Kenney, Lexington, South Carolina; many other relatives and friends including lifelong special friends, Glenn and Jerry Moore, Michael Sangster, Duane Reynolds, Len Corbett, Frankie Gaskins, and special friends at the Church of Our Father Missionary Baptist Church. 

Ronald was preceded in death by his father, Eddie “Hot” Morris; mother, Charlene Taylor; brothers, Mark Collins, and Gregory Moore; grandparents, Solomon Morris, Emma Morris, Charlie Dyer, and Viola Brown; aunts, Annie “Honey” Stidhum, Ruth "Tea" Williams; cousins, Diane Jones, Margaret Bannon, Clinter Roy Cooper, and great-niece, Japeriay Quarles.

The family would like to express special thanks to John Dingell VA Hospice Care Nursing Staff, CENAs, Morris, Stidhum, Baber, Hoskins and Collins families, "Honey's Bunch,"  Larry Waldon Jr., Pastor Byles and the Church of Our Father Missionary Baptist Church.