Ernest Benton Morris, Jr.

Ernest Benton Morris Jr., age 76 of Nixa, Missouri entered into rest on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Ernest was born on August 16, 1946, in Charleston, West Virginia to the late Ernest Benton Morris Sr., and Janet Hanshaw. 

In April of 1966, Ernest enlisted in the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War with 1st Cav Air Mobile, 1st of the 5th, Charlie Company. He was stationed in Georgia at both Ft. Benning and Ft. Gordon. He did 2 tours in Korea as well as 1 in Germany. During his 24 years of service, Ernie received numerous decorations, medals, ribbons and other awards to include a Bronze Star, 2 Meritorious service medals, an Air Medal,6  Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement medal, 4 Overseas Service Bars, 2 National Defense Service Medals, 2 Vietnam Service medals, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, 3 Overseas Service Ribbons, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm/Republic of VietNam Campaign Medal, Expert Marksmanship Qualifications Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar, Combat Infantryman Badge, and U.S. Army Gold Recruiter Badge with 3 Sapphire Achievement Stars. He retired from the Army in 1996. 

Ernest was a member of Masonic Lodge 127 in Clearwater, Florida. 

Ernest was preceded by his parents and many of his Vietnam brothers, including Ray Rhodes from Alabama.  He is survived by his wife Melissa Morris, children Lee Morris (Dana), Gary Morris, Genesis Morris, grandchildren Austin, Josh, Alexa, Logan, Lawson, Landyn, Izaiah, sister Ruth Ann Derr (Herb) and a host of extended family and friends. 

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. until service time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.