L.L. Morriss, longtime Baptist pastor and denominational worker, died May 1 in Longview at age 89.
Morriss, a preacher from the age of 15, was ordained in 1938 and was pastor at Texas churches in Angus, Mt. Zion, Gresham, Noonday, Judson, Cayuga, New London, Cameron, Baytown, Mount Pleasant, and First Church in Midland, where he served more than 20 years.
He was director of the evangelism division of the Baptist General Convention of Texas from 1975 until 1981, and he served as director of the Christian Education Coordinating Board from 1981 to 1985, before his retirement.
He also served as chairman of the BGCT Executive Board, chairman of the BGCT Human Welfare Commission, president of the Baptist Training Union of Texas and parliamentarian for the Southern Baptist Convention for five years.
He also was a trustee for East Texas Baptist College, Howard Payne University, Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University.
He was a field supervisor for the Southwestern Theological Seminary doctor of ministry program.
A noted writer and speaker, he wrote numerous articles for denominational periodicals and a book, The Sound of Boldness.
He received the Distinguished Service Award from Texas Baptist Men in 1970, the W.T. Tardy Alumni Award for service from East Texas Baptist College in 1978, and was twice awarded the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedom Foundation. The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, East Texas Baptist College and Baylor University each conferred honorary doctorates on him.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Faye, in 1993; brothers, Robert and Thomas; and infant twin sisters, Dorthy and Doris. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Mary; son, Lester Jr.; step-children, Jim Dean, Bob Dean and Debra Summers; two grandsons; six step-grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and two step-great-granddaughters.
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