Mr. Morris Willie Byrd was born June 2, 1956, in Bamberg, South Carolina to the late Ernest Byrd, Sr. and Geneva House Byrd. Morris received his early education in the public schools in Richland County School District and graduated with his class in 1974 from Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, South Carolina.  He was employed at Olympia Cotton Mills for several years before obtaining a position with Sleep Number Select Comfort where he worked for twenty years. Morris was greatly loved and respected by his coworkers and peers. During Morris's spare time he enjoyed installing floors and going out to eat as his favorite restaurant, Lizard's Thicket. He also enjoyed going to concerts and attending various town festivals. Morris would frequently attend car shows with his cousin, Gene, and enjoyed the challenge of repairing Dodge Chargers.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Byrd and his nephews, Theodore Oliver Mack and Ernest Matthew Byrd, III.

Those left to cherish his memories include his loving son, Barry White; his loving daughter, Janiquia Small; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a brother, Ernest (Theodora) Byrd, Jr; his life partner, Sandra Gilbert; a special cousin who was like a brother, Richard (Gene) Eugene Johnson, along with many other loving family and friends.