Graveside services for Mr. Billy Jan Morris, age 69, of Rockwall, TX, will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Apr. 17, 2010, at Mt. Zion Cemetery near Panola, TX with Rev. Paul Thomasson officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Morris passed away on Tuesday morning, April 13, 2010, in Dallas.

Billy Jan Morris was born on Jan. 28, 1941, in Golden Meadow, LA to William Gilbert and Amber Carolyn Alexander Morris. He graduated from Elysian Fields High School with the class of 1960. After working a year, he enrolled at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, graduating in 1965, with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He married Diana Gwen Shults on June 12, 1966, in Midland, TX. Mr. Morris belonged to the AIPG Geological Society and was a registered geologist and geophysicist. In the early 90's, while working in Argentina as Chief Geologist for Reef Exploration of Richardson, TX, he discovered the largest gas deposit in that country. He served on the planning and zoning committee in Rockwall for 3 years and then served as a city councilman for 6 years. Mr. Morris loved traveling the world and he retired early at age 57 to pursue his passion. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Morris is survived by his wife, Diana Shults Morris of Rockwall; two sons, William Michael Morris and wife Brenda of Bishop, CA and Nathan Brett Morris of Rockwall; one daughter, Lisa Morris of Shreveport; one sister, Sharon Ellis and husband Denny of Carrollton; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

If desired, memorials may be made to Bethany U.M.C., P.O. Box 247, Bethany, LA 71007 or the First U.M.C., 201 S. Shelby, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.