Irvin William Morris

1952 ~ 2026

Date of Death: July 19, 2026

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In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Morris Family. Irvin's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Irvin William Morris.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Founder

Xavier Griffin ~ Director

Pastor Wesley Hooks ~ Chaplain

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Irvin W. Morris, aka “Earl the Pearl,” was born on October 13, 1952, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Melvin Morris and Augusta Williams (Posey.)  Irvin grew up with a loving family where he was one of six children as well as the eldest son. Irvin was a dedicated son. brother, nephew, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was the type of man who knew much about a lot of things. He was known to fix things around the house, secure deals, and be an all-around helpful, considerate, and charismatic man of integrity. 

Education & Training

Irvin attended Shady Grove Elementary School until 8^th grade and Roland High School where he excelled in academics, football and basketball.  Irvin pursued a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith, formerly known as WestArk Community College.

Entrepreneurship

Irvin was a leader and a man of industry. He learned leadership skills early in life as a Boy scout under the direction of Scout Master Mose Douglas, Sr.  His first job was a farmhand for W. H. Buie. Irvin went on to have a long and outstanding career in management at Whirlpool Corporation. As a lifelong learner. Irvin completed multiple management training courses throughout his career.  After 38 years of service, Irvin retired from Whirlpool in October 2009.

In addition to his decades long Whirlpool career, Irvin owned multiple businesses including Long Branch Nightclub and the 11th Frame Nightclub along with his business partner, Bobby Shepard. Irvin was a lover of old school music and loved to dance.  He was an avid sports fan who loved the Sooners and Razorbacks and played tennis later in life with Tyrone Douglas and Ron Sheppard.

Marriage & Ministry

Irvin met the love of his life, Bonita Douglas (Morris) whom he married on May 28^th, 1999.  Irvin was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and strived to live his life according to those principles. Due to the godly influence of Bonita, Pastor Hardeen Weech and Evangelist Roy Brown, Irvin was baptized into the Seventh Day Adventist Church by Pastor Tyrone Douglas on July 2, 2005. Irvin served as Head Deacon for many years where he assisted the pastor in church leadership and maintained the building and grounds. 

Family Life, Fatherhood and Friends

Irvin was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He loved to have backyard cookouts where there were dominos, basketball, spades, volleyball, good music and good food. He loved to host family gatherings, attend family reunions and spend time with his family. He was present for many special moments including graduations, weddings, birthdays, births, and sporting events.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sandy and Velma Williams, his parents, Melvin Morris and Augusta Williams (Posey) and brother Greg Williams. He leaves to cherish his eternal legacy his loving and supportive wife, Bonita Morris (Douglas); his three sons, Todd Morris, Myron Dickerson, and Joshua Jackson (Alicia); his two daughters, Helen Gordon and Donnica Gordon; his 14 grandchildren; and a host of family and friends who love and honor his memory.

Walk through visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday August 6, 2026; 10:00am to 6:00pm (family hour 5-6pm) Rowell-Parish Mortuary Chapel 611 North 9th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Celebration of life service will be Friday August 7, 2026; 11:00am Fort Smith Seventh Day Adventist Church 4321 Jenny Lind Road; Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Burial and final resting place: Shady Grove Cemetery 111945 S. 4780 Road Roland, Oklahoma 74954.