Bernard "Gene" Morris, 93 passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2025. Gene was the son of Lawrence Ervin Morris and Ethel Virginia Butts Morris, both of whom preceded him in death.

Gene was born in Tarboro, North Carolina on May 14, 1932. He was the youngest of 11 children. Gene attended Tarboro High School. While attending Tarboro High, Gene was a multisport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball.  He was an avid baseball fan his entire life. Gene played American Legion baseball in the 1950's and was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. He graduated in 1952. After graduation Gene was drafted into the US Army. After living in Tarboro his entire life he was sent to the Army Base in Brooklyn, New York. This is where he met the love of this life, Marie J. Mannino.

Gene and Marie had their first date on September 26, 1953. They were engaged on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1953 and married on October 9, 1954. Shortly after getting married Gene and Marie moved back to Tarboro. While living in Tarboro their first child, a son, Michael Gene was born. They lived in Tarboro for about 18 months and then returned to Brooklyn, New York where their 3 daughters, Ginny, Gloria and Barbara were born. While living in New York, Gene worked for A&P grocery stores in various positions. His last position, Assistant Manager made him the perfect fit for his next job which was the owner and operator of the Quick Shoppe in Tarboro. Gene got a call from his nephew, Steve Hoard, in late 1968 to come home and run a new business for him. The new business was the Quick Shoppe. Gene and Marie packed up their family and moved back to Tarboro in June 1969. The grand opening of the Quick Shoppe was July 4th weekend 1969. After several years, Gene and Marie did purchase the store and continued to work side by side in the store every day until Marie's passing in December 1997. Gene continued in the business until May 2000 and at that time he sold the business and retired. Gene and Marie operated and owned the Quick Shoppe for 31 years. During that time, they had wonderful customers that not only were customers but became friends.

During his retirement years, Gene taught himself to play golf at the age of 70 and enjoyed playing for many years. He said every time he played that he learned something new. Up until February 2025, weather permitting, Gene was still playing golf once a week.

In his younger years, Gene was an avid deer and duck hunter. He was also an avid gardener and loved his flower beds in his yard. Gene was a member of the local Kiwanis Club for many years where he participated in the Reading Buddies program at the local schools. He was also a volunteer fireman at Heartsease Volunteer Fire Department. Gene served as their Treasurer for many years also.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, his wife; Marie Morris, his son; Michael Morris, his brothers; Herman, Lawrence, Cole, Floyd, Osborne and Bill; his sister, Beulah, Daisy, Susie and Maureen and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also preceded in death by his companion of many years, Gloria Price Tostoe.

Gene is survived by his daughters: Ginny (Henry), Gloria (Ted) and Barbara (Ken). He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Matthew (Jill), Taylor (Stephen), Harrison (Zach), Sarah (Ricky), Lauren, Logan (Lane), Reed (Garrett) and Caitlin. In addition, he is survived by 3 great grandchildren: Ellie Jane, Grayson Leigh and Wynn Laster. Gene is also survived by several nieces, great nieces and great nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family extends a special thank you to all of Dad's friends and family who were there for all of us. We would also like to thank the staff at ECU Health Cancer Center and Gentiva Hospice of Tarboro. In addition, thank you to Virginia, Kee Kee and Robin, Dad's amazing caregivers who made it possible for him to remain at his home until the end. The compassion, kindness, respect and love shown by all of you will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

Heartsease Volunteer Fire Department

P.O. Box 1505

Tarboro, NC 27886

Or

Edgecombe County Veteran's Military Museum

106 West Church Street

Tarboro, NC 27886

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Carlisle Funeral Home.

A Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, prior to the service.

Interment at Edgecombe Memorial Park following the service.