William "Bill" Morris, II

A memorial service will be June 18, 2022 at 1PM at the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Burial following at the Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church, American Cancer Society, or Alzheimer's Foundation.

The Morris family would like to thank Dr. Lee and his staff and The Big Horn County Senior Living for their compassionate care.

William (Bill) Bradley Morris II, 87, passed away on November 28, 2021, after a brave battle with cancer.

Bill was born August 14, 1934, in Detriot, Michigan, to Charles and Alice Slater Morris. He left home at an early age to pursue a career in the sport of rodeo. At the age of 19, Billy (as his friends knew him) became a member of the PRCA, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Bill's main event was bull riding and occasionally bareback riding. For the next 15 years, he traveled and competed with some of the all-time greats.

In 1955, Bill met Mardie Schilling, his wife of 64 years, in Mobridge, South Dakota. They were married on December 29, 1956. From this union, three children were born (Brad, Rene, and Michael).

In 1966, Bill hung up his spurs for a more secure job and moved his family to Hardin, where he worked for the Downs Ranch. In the mid-'70s, Bill managed the Elks Club for 13 years. Then in 1987, he went to work for the Big Horn County Road Department, where he retired after 20 years.

Bill served as a representative on the PRCA Board of Directors for North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. He also served on the Hardin Fair Board and coached the Hardin High School Rodeo Clubs. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, Elks Lodge, and Fort Custer Golf Course.

Bill was proud of his home, family and adored his grandchildren. He was a great storyteller and loved telling stories of all his rodeo travels, and he truly loved the cowboy life. He enjoyed our family get-togethers and helping at the church dinners washing dishes. His hobbies were his garden and keeping his lawn. Bill had many friends and would like to be remembered as a good guy who got along with everyone.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister June and brother-in-law Joseph Gerard, sister Jean and brother-in-law George Gagnon.

Bill is survived by his wife Mardie, and their three children William (Brad) Bradley Morris III (Wendy), Rene' Lynn Murray (John), and Michael Jay Morris (Rhonda), and his grandchildren John William Murray IV, Jessica Ann Murray, Sheridan Renee Morris, William Bradley Morris IV, Miles Xavier Morris, Sebastian Broderick Winchester, sister Janet Ammons, brother Jerry Stein, in-laws Gladys Herman, Rene' Finley and Clair Schilling as well as many nieces and nephews.

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