Michael Gene Morris, age 66, passed away unexpectedly to return to his Heavenly Father. Michael was born in Tarboro, NC on Jan 28, 1956, to Bernard Gene Morris and the late Marie Mannino Morris. After graduating from Tarboro High School, he attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He graduated with dual bachelor's degrees in Radio, Television and motion picture and Religion.

Mr. Morris began his career at a television station in New Bern, NC. After New Bern, Michael held several prominent positions throughout the United States, furthering his education and career, including seminary school. Mr. Morris also completed his advance certification in counseling and returned to Ayden, NC to fulfill his lifelong dream of owning his own business, Side by Side Counseling. Helping individuals with substance abuse issues and mental health issues, was truly his passion and calling.

Michael was an avid reader, supporter of the arts, loved the outdoors and baseball. He was grounded in his faith all his life and lived by the mantra, Manu Dei.

He is survived by his loving family which includes his father, Bernard Gene Morris, his sisters, Ginny Willey (Henry), Gloria King (Ted), and Barbara Lentz (Ken) and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Morris was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Mannino Morris.

A Memorial service will be held Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Carlisle Funeral Home at 2:00 pm, with the family receiving friends from 1 until 2 pm, before the service. Graveside ceremony to immediately follow the service at Edgecombe Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.Carlisle funeral home.com.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.