Michael Morris, better known as Mikey, died on the evening of Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Highland Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana following a battle with cancer and other ailments. He was 79 years old and excitedly anticipating his 80th birthday on October 17th.
Mikey is survived by his wife and beautiful singing partner Zelma Broussard of Many, his mother-in-law Carrie F. Broussard of Pineville and Many, two children Mark Morris of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and Lacy Morris Chirinos of Florien. He is also survived by his stepson, Senior Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force, Lee-Allen Botts and his wife Yvette McKay Botts of Ball, LA. His surviving grandchildren include Anthony Chirinos of Florien, Layla Morris and Myndi Morris of Ocean Springs, MS, as well as two step-grandchildren Ryan Botts and Rachel Botts, both of Ruston. Mike was preceded in death by his parents H.E. and Lorene Ferguson Morris in addition to his stepson Creg Morris (wife Lucy) of Florien who passed recently. Mikey had many nieces and nephews, and greats, who loved him so very much, two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Hope Brasell and Faith Wilkes, and a brother-in law Newton Wilkes who cherished fishing time with him.
Mike Morris was a man of many talents from serving the local community as owner of Morris Furniture Company to singing and songwriting. He was known across the state of Louisiana, and beyond, for his musical talents. Music spoke to him loudly and clearly, and he shared it with as many people as possible.
Mike’s induction into the prestigious Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2002 was truly his greatest honor. Mike played in the 12-piece Rhythm and Blues band “The Harmon Drew Super Group” for over 40 years. He was a perfect fit for the band. Over the years, Mike mastered playing the piano, organ, harmonica, drums, ukulele, and his beloved bass guitar, yet his voice was his claim to fame. He wrote many songs and collaborated with singer/writers who/which included “Alley Oop,” “Outer Limits,” “Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb,” and many more. Mike was also a member of the Theatre of Performing Arts of Shreveport and the Shreveport Musician’s Union.
While playing in Shreveport and Lake Charles, LA., Mikey decided to enroll in Bethany College in Kansas. He found himself in the middle of the Rock n’ Roll explosion but soon realized he needed more exposure. His weekends were consumed with music, which attributed to his school grades falling. He left college after two semesters and headed to California with a buddy. After a while, Mike realized he was not going to hit the “big time” and returned home to Many. There he found local musical opportunities with the Fabulous Boogie Kings, G.G. Shinn, the Roller Coasters, and Charles Page and the Rockin’ Aces. During his travels he met Wolfman Jack, DJ Fontana, The Beatles, and other performers. He played bass with Edgar and John Winter and collaborated with them both on “Take a Free Ride.” The glow of making it big was never far from his thoughts.
He enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard and attended NCO Academy at Fort Polk in Leesville. Mike was honorably discharged as a Sergeant after nine years’ service. During that time, he worked at Sears and played music at night. He joined the “New Beats” and later contracted with the Peppermint Lounge which stretched into a two-year long gig. The music itch never left him, and then Mikey and some friends headed to Jackson, MS where he worked on albums with “Gladys Knight and the Pips,” Aretha Franklin, and “Simon and Garfunkel.” It was during this time that Mikey wrote the song Sam Stone, which he thought was his best work but sold the rights to singer-songwriter John Prine.
Ultimately his wanderlust years came to an end. He took several home interior design courses and decided he enjoyed working in the furniture industry. In 1970, Mike and his father formed a partnership, Morco, Inc. and bought into the Montgomery Ward franchise. During this time, he joined area bands such as “The Reunion” and “Big South.” Mike’s love of music presented itself in full force back then, and he put together a band himself playing weekends on the Bossier Strip.
During his adventurous life, Mikey became involved in his community through Dixie Youth baseball, the Many and Zwolle JC clubs, the Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce, and the wonderful Toys for Tots campaign.
Mikey was an only child born on October 17, 1944, to Harry E. and Lorene F. Morris of Leesville. He started school in Lake Charles and attended LaGrange High School where he played football. He spent his senior year of high school in Shreveport where he graduated from Byrd High School. All through his formative years, Mikey played music. He could be found playing music in various venues during his younger years.
Mike found his forever home in Sabine Parish and settled down. He loved fishing, cigars, flashy clothes, hats, his precious Golden Retriever Karli, and most importantly, his loving and supportive family. Although Mikey was not a native of Many, Louisiana, he claimed it as his home. He loved the small-town atmosphere, singing in the church choir, the annual Christmas cantata, and playing music at local restaurants.
Mike was everyone’s friend, and he truly will be sorely missed! Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Many, LA with a Memorial service beginning at 11:00 AM.