Obituary: Dewayne Neal Morris

Dewayne Neal Morris, age 93, passed away on March 3rd, 2025, after a long and wonderful life. He was born on June 30th, 1931, to Alberta and Richard Hobson Morris on Eva Road in Cullman County, Alabama. After graduating from Cullman High school, he enlisted in the marines where he served as a corporal in the Korean War, working in supply warehouses. He later went to the University of Alabama and earned both his undergraduate and law degrees on the GI Bill. He was appointed to the Jefferson County Board of Equalization, which gave him an insight into the real estate business. This would become a cornerstone of his career. His company Morris Properties specializes in renting to the underserved communities and Dewayne was proud to keep up his property in a way that gave dignity to those who needed it most. 

Also a practicing attorney, Dewayne was the incorporating lawyer for Sunbelt Fabricators, a steel fabricating company in Steele, Alabama. He immediately saw the value in the business and told the partners he would be interested in investing, if they needed another partner. He ended up obtaining controlling interest and grew that business, adopting the principles of open book management espoused by Jack Stack. Dewayne was a big believer in letting the employees see and be motivated by the bottom line, and was legendary for the profit sharing plans he implemented in the businesses he ran. This practice continued when he saw an opportunity to own a bank from his hometown, then called the First Bank of Eva. After acquiring stock from multiple sources, the boy from Eva Road became the primary shareholder and immediately implemented the open book management style there, eventually growing this privately held bank to 7 branches across North Alabama, and changing the name to EvaBank. 

Dewayne was known for his generosity. He gave willingly of his time, money, and expertise to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends and employees. In business especially, many people are grateful to him for his mentorship. 

At age 59, Dewayne started running, a hobby that would consume the next 25 to 30 years of his life. Always a competitor, he was motivated by the medals and trophies he won as the fastest man in his age group. At one point he held the record for the fastest man of his age in Alabama in the 5k, 10k, and half marathon. 

Dewayne grew up in Flint Creek Baptist Church. He raised his family at South Avondale Baptist Church and later transferred his membership to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. His faith was important to him and the way he lived was a testament to his beliefs. One of the races he ran every year was Dawson’s Perseverance 5k Run, based on Hebrews 12:1-2 which says “let us run the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith.” This verse sums up his life, as he took advantages of his God given opportunities, and always stayed focused on his call to his family and his work. 

He is survived by his wife of over 67 years, Jo Tankersley Morris, his daughter Martha Bailey and son-in-law Ward Bailey, his daughter Gay Weber, his grandchildren Lee Bailey (Heather), Copeland Bailey, Ann Morris Bailey Merline (Will), Scott Weber (Rebecca), Brooks Weber (fiancé Chris Zachara), Ross Weber (Lindsay) and Cole Weber. He is also survived by his brother Jack Morris (Betty Ann) and sister Anna Faye Hite (Ray). He is predeceased by his parents Alberta and Richard Hobson Morris, his brother, Richard Hobson Morris, Jr., (Vertie) and his son-in-law, Ray Weber. 

Visitation will be Friday morning, March 7th at the chapel at Dawson at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. A lunch will be served afterwards. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Flint Creek Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests donations in his honor be made to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, www.dawsonchurch.org, or Flint Creek Baptist Church, 3048 County Road 1354, Vinemont, AL 35179.