Obituary

Anthony Joseph Morris
January 27, 1955 - June 25, 2020



“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23

Anthony Joseph Wayne Morris was born on January 27, 1955 in Bogalusa, Louisiana to Herman and Quida Mingo Morris. Anthony was the 12th child of his siblings, as many would say “Wayne” as he fondly was called the baby of the family and they made sure he was showered with a special kind of “LOVE” that only the baby could receive.

Anthony united with Center Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Linwood Bolton, there he remained a faithful servant under the leadership of Dr. Sidney Jones, until his health started to decline.

During Anthony’s early years of life, he attended Wesley Ray Elementary and after integration, his high school years were at Varnado High School. During these years, he played football and basketball for the Varnado Wildcats.

Upon graduating from Varnado in 1973, Anthony was employed at the Bogalusa Community Medical Center, Crown Zellerbach, Ocean Drilling & Exploration Company (ODECO)/Diamond Offshore Drilling Company, and Temple Inland where he retired.

Anthony loved being outdoors, sitting on the porch, or in his truck at Little Village or Chevron drinking coffee and conversing with the guys or whoever will come up that he knew. Anthony had a gentle spirit and his smile was contagious that you couldn't help but smile too.

Anthony was very active in his community, he loved sports and loved playing sports. He played with the Angie Angels baseball team, Slidell Sharks football team and he coached the Angie Cubs 13 and 14 year old Bogalusa Little League team; in 2014 the team were the City Champs. Anthony also was an official for the Louisiana High School Athletics Association. Upon marrying Anita, Anthony was a Grambling fan, but that soon changed, and he became a part of the Jaguar Nation. He was a member of the Family and Friends of The Southern University Jaguars Alumni.

Anthony couldn’t wait until football season, where he, Carla, and Rod could coach the game from his game chair. He talked with Carla and Boss when the Saints were playing and Rod when the Cowboys were playing, oh how he loved getting those phone calls from them. Also, he talked basketball with his b-ball grand; Tatyana, when the Pelicans were playing.

Anthony had a special love for helping children in the community always encouraging them to strive for nothing but the very best. Anthony enjoyed working as a substitute teacher at Varnado High School he tried to go and work out there every day.

Anthony met his wife Anita, at Varnado High School, and that was the beginning of their love story. To this union two children were born Carla Anita and Anthony Joseph, a son, Roderick who he reared and loved and granddaughter La’Deja’ Ariel; along with two nieces Angela “Trenee” and Demetrius “Meekie”

Anthony loved “The Morris Family” from his sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and cousins. His grandchildren were his HEARTBEATS!! and his love will continue to be in their hearts forever.

Anthony leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife and soulmate of 42 years Anita Cyrus Morris; daughters Carla Morris and La’Deja’ Graves; sons Roderick Stephens and Anthony Morris; a special niece Demetrius Peters; brother Delaurl Morris (Angela); sister Ella Morris; eight grandchildren La’Deja’, Tatyana, Darnell “DJ”, Amira, Brasley, Roderick II, Bryson, Peyton, and one great-grandchild Bryson Graves; two sister-in- laws Ava Reed and Brenda Bartley; Best friend Paul Martin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, and friends.

A Drive through viewing will be Thursday, July 2, 2020 from 3:00PM - 5:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home - Bogalusa.

Funeral Service will be Friday, July 3, 2020 at 1:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa with Rev. Christopher Matthews, Officiating. Interment will be at the Robinson Cemetery.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home - Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements.