Bro. Paul Wade Morris

Bro. Paul Wade Morris, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away after an extended illness on September 7, 2025, at the age of 58 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. Born on July 13, 1967, in Vardaman, Mississippi to the late Thomas and Mary Morris, Paul lived a life dedicated to his family, faith, and service to his country.

Paul graduated from Bruce High School in 1986 before enlisting in the United States Air Force on May 26, 1989. He served his country with honor until his discharge on May 25, 1993, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-4). During his service, Paul was awarded several commendations, including the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon. It was during his time in the Air Force that he met his loving wife, Melissa, the mother of his three children.

Paul pursued a career as a Radiology Technologist at Baptist Calhoun, where he dedicated himself to the healthcare of his community until his retirement. His compassion and expertise in radiology left a lasting impact on the lives he touched.

Paul was an ordained Baptist minister, having been ordained in 1997. His heart was dedicated to preaching the gospel, and he was an active member of the Bruce First Baptist Church, where his faith flourished. Paul loved to play the drums and guitar, often sharing his musical talents with family and friends. He had a deep affection for gardening and spending time outdoors, nurturing both his plants and his relationships.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Melissa Eckhardt Morris; his daughters, McKenzie (Clay) Hathcock of Sallis, MS and Hannah Morris of Bruce, MS; his son, Adam Morris of Bruce, MS; his cherished grandchild, Walt Hathcock of Sallis, MS; and his brother, Marvin (Sandra) Morris of Pittsboro, MS. Each of them will carry forward his legacy of love, kindness, and faith.

A public viewing will be held at Parker Memorial Funeral Home on September 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, allowing friends and family to pay their respects. A funeral service will take place at the Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel on September 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM with Dr. Ryan Reed and Bro. Darrell Logan officiating, where loved ones will gather to celebrate Paul's life and the indelible mark, he made on all who knew him. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Poplar Springs Cemetery in Vardaman, Mississippi with Air Force Military Honors, where he will be among the blossoms of the gardens he cherished.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Kenny Adams, Earl Adams, Danny Sanders, Damon Bumgart, Trent Long, Greg Owens, Dr. Willie Wells, and Josh Morgan. Along with honorary pallbearers Joey Poteete, Miles Jeffery, Tony Owens, Gerald Newman, Mike Silas and Paul Ray Cantrell.

In remembrance of Bro. Paul Wade Morris, may we be inspired by his unwavering faith, dedication to family, and love of life. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Thomas L. Morris, mother, Mary Newman Morris and brother, Terry Lane Morris.

Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Morris Family in their time of need.