of Paron, AR
September 17, 1954 - November 19, 2020
Stephen Lee Morris (Steve), 66, of Ferndale, was born in Searcy, Arkansas on September 17, 1954. He passed suddenly and unexpectedly November 19, 2020.
He was gifted with extraordinary mechanical abilities. Steve emerged from his childhood of being the go-to fix it man in the house to discovering his calling as a woodworker. After his mentorship with a master California cabinet maker, Steve moved to Little Rock where his craft was widely sought. Because he was such a quiet man, the extent of his creations was not known until after his death. Clients throughout Arkansas and other states have raved about the quality of his work. Few people knew his woodworking also included hobbies of making musical instruments such as guitars or mandolins (used by several Little Rock area musicians). Using wood, he acquired from his mission trips, he made gifts of beautiful hand-crafted pens, trays, and jewelry.
A long-time member of Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, Steve took his skills to construction projects for disabled church members and for mission churches, including New York and Jamaica. More than a decade ago, he found a real calling in Haiti. In addition to building numerous cabinets, tables, pulpits and other items that were beyond the skills of local workers, Steve lead and taught teams of local Haitian artisans and US volunteers in the construction of schools, dormitories, shops, bakery, and other projects on the Haiti Christian Development Project farm. His indefatigable work continued even after returning home as he stored items in his own shop and prepared tons of relief supplies for shipment for use in schools and education efforts in Haiti.
He is preceded in death by parents, Paul W. and Imogene Morris; brother, Jerry Paul; sister, Wilma Shinley, and nephew, Robert Mark Story. Steve is survived by his wife, Karen Whittenberger Morris; daughter, Elizabeth; son, Joshua; grandson, Jordan; brothers, John Morris (Liz) of Searcy and Donald Morris of Memphis; sisters, Patsy Story (Ken) of Searcy, Catherine Clifford of Cleburne, Texas, and Deborah Morris of Little Rock; aunt, Carolyn Weaver of Riverside, California; six nieces and nephews; fourteen great-nieces and great-nephews, and many extended family and friends.
Memorials made to Haiti Christian Development Project to honor Steve's joy and passion for vocational missions, P.O. Box 21119, Little Rock, Arkansas 72221.
Visitation will be at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, November 27 with the family present from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 28 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Spring Valley Cemetery in Ferndale. We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 50 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.
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22 Condolence(s)
Casey Pearson
Thursday, December 17, 2020
I'm so sorry for this incredible loss. He was a great man and father i know. He will be sorely missed.
Dawn Nahlen
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Steve was kind, warm, and modest, a great friend, and he has left a beautiful legacy, both tangible and spiritual, in Haiti and Arkansas. My heart goes out to Karen and Jordan, as well as Elizabeth and Joshua.
Dean Wright
Monday, November 30, 2020
Steve was a fine Christian man and a dear brother. It was a privilege to serve with him in Haiti. He was always willing to help people. He will be greatly missed. Grace and peace to Karen and the family.
Warren Atkins and Barbara Meier
Monday, November 30, 2020
We were shocked to hear of Steve's passing. Steve was a good man and a caring human being who really made the world a better place for many people. We met him when we hired him to build cabinets for our new home in Ferndale. He was recommended by a friend of ours and one of his neighbors and she was not wrong in praising his woodworking skills and his honesty. He was a joy to work with on our project. He told us about his mission work and we admired him even more. He would show us around his shop and we were impressed with the variety of projects he was working on. He will always be remembered with warm thoughts in the coming years. God bless his family and give them the strength to endure the loss of Steve.
David & Chris Russell
Sunday, November 29, 2020
We are very sad of Steve’s passing. We will cherish the memories that we shared with him. Many prayers of comfort during this very sad time.
Jeff and Amanda Boyster
Saturday, November 28, 2020
We have both been very blessed to meet Steve and call him friend. Prayers for Karen and family!
Jerry & Christina Burchfield
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Steve has always been there when there when work needed to be done.
Pleasant Valley Church, HCDP, and all of us will miss him! Our prayers for your peace.
Karen Butner
Saturday, November 28, 2020
I mourn with you in Steve’s passing. My life has been made richer in the short time I knew him and continue to learn of the multitude of good deeds he did that flowed from his Christian heart.
Karen Butner
Saturday, November 28, 2020
I mourn with you in Steve’s passing. My life has been made richer in the short time I knew him and continue to learn of the multitude of good deeds he did that flowed from his Christian heart.
Harlan Glover
Saturday, November 28, 2020
So sorry for the loss of a very gifted and good human being.
Kevin and Judy Bracknell
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Oh Steve, we will really, really miss you Friend!!! â¤ï¸
Guy and Beverly Wade
Friday, November 27, 2020
To the Morris Family: Steve was a quiet man but in different ways he wasn't. He wasn't quiet when it came to helping others and serving the Lord. Steve will be missed.
alma vaughn
Friday, November 27, 2020
Karen & Family,
So sorry for you loss of Steve. I know what you are going through. Chuck and I pray for you and know that God help you all through this time. Steve was a good man and will never be forgotten.
Chuck and Alma Kelsey Vaughn
April Hardin (Young)
Thursday, November 26, 2020
You are all in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jeremy Wright
Thursday, November 26, 2020
So sorry for the Loss. :(
Gary and Heidi Hodge
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
We are so saddened by your loss. You both were always so kind to Gary and I all the years we were at Pleasant Valley. We pray for That God helps you all through this time. God bless you all.
Joe White
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Karan and family,
Like you I mourn Steve’s sudden passing. Good friends are hard to find and harder to part with. I didn’t say lose because I know exactly where Steve is. I hope you find comfort and peace in knowing that too. God bless you all, joe
Louanne Little Hess
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Dear Karen and Family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. But sorry just doesn’t seem quite enough. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you and and your family comfort during this time of grief. Love to all.
Louanne
Vicky Doeright
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
To Karen, Beth & Josh, my heart is with you as you you tend to Steve's funeral service. I'm so very sorry. Love you all.
Charlie Amato
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Diane and I are so sorry for your loss of Steve and our neighbor for 30 years. If you need anything let us know
Lugene Whittenberger
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Karen, I am so sorry for your lose. Steve was a good man. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shirley walker
Monday, November 23, 2020
Karen and family, so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.