William J. Morrison

William J. "Bill" Morrison, 89, from Sarasota, Florida passed away Nov. 9, 2013 peacefully in his sleep with his oldest daughter by his side.

Bill was born Jan. 7, 1924 in Anna, Illinois, son of Margaret Johnson and Ray Morrison.

After graduating from Anna High School, Bill entered the U.S. Navy. Returning home from his first tour, he married Mary Wilberta Eastman of Anna, Ill. Wilberta passed away four years later. Bill was called back to active duty during the Korean War. Returning home for the second time, Bill married Rosalie Stepzenski of Peoria, Ill. Rosalie passed away in March 1987.

In the spring of 1965, Bill moved his family to Du Quoin, Ill. where he operated the "Hickory Drive -In." Bill soon opened the "Morrison Family Restaurant" on Main Street in Du Quoin.

In 1974, Bill moved his family to Florida.

He is survived by his seven children, William D. Morrison, of Champaign, Ill., Dan and wife Paula Morrison of Clearwater, Fla., Deb and husband Danny Lashley Morrison of Clearwater, Fla., Dianne and husband, Joe Clay of Orient, N.C., David and wife Charlotte Morrison of Palm Harbor, Fla., Dennis and wife Sally Morrison of Bluffton, Ind., Dale and wife Jeanne Morrison of Roanoke, Va. and 12 grand children and nine great grandchildren.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and both wives.

Honoring Bill's request, his body will be cremated and his ashes will be buried in the Gulf of Mexico - at Latitude: 27.4522 and Longitude: - 82.5071.