He graduated from Lawrence Dunbar High School in Texarkana, Texas. Morris graduated from Prairie View A&M University, where he met his future wife, Lois. After college, he taught in Luling, Texas, before moving to West Columbia where he taught Agriculture and Industrial Art at Charlie Brown High School. He also taught at Sweeny High School, where he retired from in 1984, after serving 30 years in education.

While in West Columbia, Morris united with Israel Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he faithfully served in many capacities.

Morris was a man of many interests and talents. He served West Columbia as Municipal Judge. He was on the Board of Directors of the Levi Jordan Plantation Historical Society, Action Inc., Texas Parks and Wildlife Association, member of the Columbia Historical Museum Association, Charlie Brown Alumni Association and the Rosenwald Association, just to name a few. He also served as a Special Land Commissioner for Brazoria County.

In 1989, he was elected to the Prairie View A&M University Athletic Hall of Fame. It was at Prairie View where he became known as “Bear” because of the fear the opposing team felt playing him. His fierce play earned him All-American Honors in 1948. He was a lifetime member of the Prairie View Alumni Association.

Morris’ leadership and dedication to his community earned him Citizen of the Year alongside his wife, Lois, by the West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Drum Major Award in 1999. And because of his excellent oratorical skills, he was often sought out as a great speaker. He will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Lois; mother, Birdie; father, Ross; sister, Clementine; and brothers, Virgil, DuBois, Eugene and Woten.

His life accomplishments are remembered by his children, Rosalind Louise Barley (Joseph) of Houston, Texas, Morris Earl Richardson II (Jelane) of Ferndale, Michigan, and Clementine Melissa Arana (Marton) of Houston, Texas. He has five beautiful granddaughters who will miss their “PaPa,” Elora, Raha, Nyanna, Aida and Kanata. Also mourning his death is his brother, Charles; and sister-in-laws, Willie Marie, LaJoie, Melba and Thelma. And a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Services will be Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at 11 a.m. in Israel Chapel A.M.E. Church, 214 W. Jackson St., West Columbia, Texas, with the Rev. Robert R. Riley Jr. officiating.

Friends may call Monday, March 24, and Tuesday, March 25 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at E. Viola & Son Funeral Home, 205 N. Broad St., West Columbia, Texas 77486.

Final arrangements entrusted to E. Viola & Son Funeral Home 205 N. Broad St., West Columbia, Texas 77486, (979) 345-3433, eviolaandsonfh@embarq