Thomas "Bud" Morriss

Thomas McLean “Bud” Morriss, born November 8, 1925 in Tyler, Texas went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. He was the second born to his parents, Thomas Frank Morriss and Lula McLean Lyles. Bud was passionate for God and His son, Jesus Christ. He was saved on April 7, 1947, and was challenged to live his life for Jesus, which he did by sharing Christ with his family and friends and serving as an ordained deacon and as the Music Director at the Rose City Baptist Church. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Foundation of Faith. Bud faithfully studied the Bible daily. One of his favorite passages was Philippians 3: 13,14: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Bud was also passionate about his family which includes his wife of 67 years, Valerie Ima Jean Murray Morriss; his sons, Steve and his wife Karen, and Wayne, as well as his daughter, Lisa Buchanan. He was blessed with nine precious grandchildren, Amy Lowry, Kindra Morriss, Charity Klett, Josh Blackmar, Aaron Blackmar, Nathan Blackmar, Promise Blackmar, Chris Morriss, and Stacy Severa; and 11 great grandchildren. His desire was to always help them or his friends in any way. He was quick with a smile and a laugh and he lived by the motto: When we love God, we serve people. As a young man, Bud enlisted in the Navy and honorably served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He held a deep passion for his country throughout his whole life. Bud was a self-made man who was a successful entrepreneur in oil and gas, real estate and retail. He founded and owned the Country Meat Market in Tyler for the past 55 years. He had a passion for serving his customers who became dear friends over the past five plus decades. A prominent sign in the Market reads, “God Bless America; Pray for America.” Bud is also survived by his sister Martha York of Tyler and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Margaret Terry and brother, Jack Morriss. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler, Texas 75703. Services for Bud Morriss will be held Sunday, October 24th, 2:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Bob Roberts will officiate. Josh Blackmar, Aaron Blackmar, Nathan Blackmar, Jim Mantooth, Leo Berman, Bobby Gorman, Neil Rayford and Tom Koehler will serve as pallbearers. Matthew McLean Klett, Peter F. Klett, III, Gus Garcia, William Sheehy, Dr. Joe Prud’ Homme, Lonnie Murray, Leo Hilton, Larry Ward, Arthur Gee, Art Osborn and Connie Greenway will serve as honorary pallbearers. We rejoice that “Our Dad, Our Hero” is in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ after enjoying a long and fruitful life. Donations in honor of Thomas McLean “Bud” Morriss may be made to the ETMC Foundation, P.O. Box 6400, Tyler, Texas 75711 or Christian Foundations of Faith, 14202 Valley View Ridge, Tyler, Texas 75709-5536.

Thomas "Bud" Morriss

November 8, 1925 - October 20, 2010