Graveside services for Mr. Gilbert Morris, 97 of Bethany, Louisiana, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at Panola Mount Zion Cemetery with Reverend Paul Thomasson officiating. Mr. Morris will lie in state on Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon at the funeral home. Mr. Morris passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 in Dallas, Texas.

William Gilbert Morris was born on November 17, 1909 in Longbranch, Texas to John R. and Maggie Mansinger Morris. He married Carolyn Alexander on June 9, 1939 and together they celebrated over 67 years of marriage. Mr. Morris retired from Arkansas-Louisiana Gas Company where he worked as a pipe fitter. Mr. Morris was an industrious, independent, generous, and loving man who successfully made his way no matter the circumstances. Mr. Morris had lived most of his life in Bethany where he was a member of the Bethany United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife on April 1, 2006.

Mr. Morris is survived by one son, Billy J. Morris and wife Diana of Rockwall; one daughter, Sharon Ellis and husband Denny of Carrollton; one brother and sister-in-law, John E. and Daisie Morris of Carthage; one sister Rosealie Lawrence of Silsbee; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a special caregiver, Etta Fisher.

If desired, memorials may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 247, Bethany, Louisiana 71007 or the First United Methodist Church of Carthage, 201 South Shelby Street, Carthage, Texas 75633.

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