Morris William Hess

Morris William Hess, born October 4th, 1931, in Athens, Alabama passed away on August 5th, 2024, at 12:50pm after living with Alzheimer’s for over 10 years. He was 92 years old and resided at Inspired Living in Sun City Center.

Morris was born to Ollie and Ethel Hess and had three siblings, Dorothy, Fred and Frances. Music was a central focus of the family. His parents started them singing as soon as they could talk. At the age of 7, Morris traveled with his father teaching summer music schools for children. As they grew into their teenage years Morris learned to play the piano and they formed a gospel quartet with their father, touring around the southeast singing at revivals, churches and Gospel Sings. Gospel music was their life.

Morris moved with his family to Florida in 1953. One night when performing with his family at a Gospel Sing, Morris met the love of his life, Mildred, and they were married January 29, 1954.

They bought their first home in Lakeland, FL and joined Bonny Baptist Church in 1956. Morris was as active as a person could be. He was a deacon, taught youth Sunday School and became the Choir Director in 1959. Throughout his time at Bonny, he taught anyone who was interested how to read music. He did everything but preach for the next 35 years. Morris was also an officer and very active in Gideons.

In January 1954, Morris started with Southern Life and Health as a life insurance agent. He opened Mason-Hess Insurance Agency with Finley Mason in downtown Lakeland in January 1968, offering personal and commercial insurance. Morris believed his time with Finley and every business success was clearly an answer to prayer. After facing a few health challenges, Morris chose to retire and sold the Mason-Hess Agency in 1988.

Morris was not a fan of retirement, however, and began a new career as a real estate agent. Morris enjoyed meeting people in the real estate business and stayed active until diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his grandchildren, as well as playing the piano almost every day, which he did until he was no longer able. Morris stayed active, walking, gardening and mowing his own lawn until age 90.

Morris is most remembered as a kind, humble man who loved the Lord and Gospel music. Morris had a caring spirit and would do anything he could for someone in need.

Morris is survived by three children, Cindy Alexander, David Hess and Lisa (Phil) Stevens; five grandchildren, Lauren Stevens, Andrew (Jaime) Stevens, Alexander (Bryanna) Stevens, Jared Stevens, and Ryan Stevens; and two great-grandchildren, Charlotte Stevens and Millie Stevens.

Visitation will be on Saturday, August 10th, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:30 am in the Tribute Center at Heath Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 10:30 am in the chapel and will be livestreamed. Committal service follows at Oak Hill Burial Park.

Those who wish may make donations to the Gideons, in lieu of flowers, in memory of Morris.