Morris Steele Jr.'s Obituary
Billy Morris Steele, Jr. was born March 8, 1949, in Bryan, Texas. His father Billy Morris Steele, Sr. was a student at A&M University at the time. His roots run deep in the heart of Texas. Always going by Morris, he came into the world a force to be reckoned with. The oldest brother of 4 younger siblings made him the one always in charge of everything, and that skill carried with him throughout his life. Even as a child, he was full of antics such as the time he flushed the goldfish down the toilet and so many more stories.
After many moves due to his father’s job, from Crowell and Spur, Texas, to Ville Platte, Louisiana, the family finally settled in Lubbock, Texas. Morris began working at an early age in his father’s lumber yard, helped build houses, and then he would paint houses among many other jobs. In high school, Morris and his brother Don, only 18 months younger, were considered football dynamos. They were on the high school football team at Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas. A powerful duo, they were repeatedly referred to as “the Steele wall”. Morris was an impressive athlete and received continuous praise from coaches and the local newspaper. After graduating, he attended Texas Tech University and was a fan of the team for many years as well as continuing his love of the game of football.
In 1977, his parents bought a ranch outside of Canton, Texas. He would spend a lot of his time helping with the cows, mowing fields, and anything else he could do. Morris loved the ranch, and he would frequently enjoy spending time there fishing and enjoying nature. The one characteristic that stood out about Morris is that he was one of the hardest working people you would ever meet.
He eventually moved to Plano, Texas, and there he owned a gas station for several years. In 1985, he married the love of his life, Lisa Snapp Steele. They had a long 38-year marriage! They were definitely meant for each other. His career began with Texas Instruments where he worked for some time. Then, he was employed at Raytheon, and ultimately finishing his career at Regal Research.
It was rare to talk to him where he didn’t respond to the question, “What are you doing?” with “working”. Morris was not a man of many words, and his favorite expression was “That’s Ryght.” Because it was his constant saying, he bought a boat and named it “That’s Ryght.” His happiest days were spent on his boat, which he housed on Lake Texoma. He loved to fish and take friends and family for boat rides. There are few words to accurately describe Morris as he was a unique individual. His good looks and winning smile
brought joy to those who knew him.
On February 12. 2023, Morris went to his heavenly home, and he will be missed.
He is preceded in death by his father, Billy Morris Steele, Sr, his mother, Lee Priddy Steele, his brother, Don Steele, and his granddaughter, Courtnee Schmidt, a great nephew James Nesrsta, as well as his grandparents.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Steele of Garland, Texas, sister, Leah Anne Kleiman of Rockwall, Texas, sister, Melanee Hensley of Burlington, Kentucky, sister, Tammie Gallegos of Aurora, Colorado, daughters, Sheli Schmidt and Kelli Rodgers of Lubbock, Texas, six grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
God’s speed Morris. Now you can finally rest. “That’s Right”!
There will be a Celebration of Life in the near future. Please check back for the date and time.
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