George "Bill" William Morton Sr.

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford George “Bill” William Morton Sr., 84, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at his residence in Oxford, Mississippi. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (403 University Ave, Oxford, MS 38655). A memorial service mass will immediately follow on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. also at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. The family will be at 218 Greenbrier Loop, Oxford, MS, 38655 following the service if anyone would like to stop by for a visit. Bill was born on December 13, 1940 in Biloxi, Mississippi, to the late James Harvey and Ione Seymour Morton. An avid outdoorsman, Bill found joy and solace in nature, often spending his days hunting, fishing, and tending to his beloved garden. His remarkable ability to fix anything that needed repair showcased his resourcefulness and his hands-on approach to life, reflecting the way he embraced the world around him. He was a proud graduate of Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1969, and Bill’s career was defined by dedication and leadership. He served as the National President of the Paper Industry Management Association and was Vice President at Potlatch Corporation, a role he embraced after 12 fruitful years there. Before that, he spent a decade at International Paper. Remarkably, Bill retired twice before reaching the age of 60, driven by his passion for hard work but always mindful of his family. Bill's greatest pride was his family. He was blessed to be married to the love of his life for over 61 beautiful years, and he balanced a demanding career with a profound commitment, to being present for his children. A devoted member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Bill found community and strength in his faith, which guided him throughout his life. Bill’s spirit will be profoundly missed, but his kindness, wisdom, and love will continue to resonate in the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter, Courtney Hall of Oxford; his son, George “Will” (Tami) Morton, Jr. of Murfreesboro, TN; four grandsons, Mack Hall and Jake Hall, of Oxford, Nicholas Morton of Austin, TX, and Bennett Morton of Los Angeles, CA; his sister, Carolyn Brady of Kennisaw, GA; his two brothers, Jimmy Morton of Marietta, GA, and Hal Morton of Pascagoula, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members he loved dearly. Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Lee Morton; and his parents, James Harvey and Ione Seymour Morton; and his two sisters, Joyce Hamilton Garrett, and Joan Parker. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations and memorials in honor of Bill Morton be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (https://www.osvhub.com/stjohnoxford/giving/funds), or the food pantry in Oxford (P.O. Box 588 Oxford, MS, 38655). The staff at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is honored to serve the family during this challenging season of life. Condolences may be expressed online on his Tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com

George "Bill" William Morton Sr.

December 13, 1940 - November 30, 2025

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