Walter H. Morris, MD

Dr. Walter Herbert Morris passed peacefully at home Friday March 5, 2021 in El Cerrito, California surrounded by his family. Born on July 12, 1921 in Plateau, Alabama, Dr. Morris came to the Oakland Bay area in 1958 after completion of his studies at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC. He retired in April of 2011, after serving more than 50 years as an orthopedic surgeon in the East Bay. Dr. Morris’ counsel was sought by local and national leaders throughout his career.

Dr. Morris was a proud veteran of World War II, serving in the historic U.S. Army’s 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (“Triple Nickles”) and a voracious reader of history who pursued a life-long love of learning through his work, volunteerism and travel. Dr. Morris was preceded in death by his wife of more than 61 years Lela Duffel Morris and his son-in-law Gregory Bell. He was the last surviving sibling of ten children of Lorenzo and Alice Bradley Morris. He leaves to mourn his children Walter Herbert Morris, Jr. (Cynthia), Alice, Margaret

Martinez (Ricardo) and Victoria Bell. He was the proud grandfather of Anne Reid (Justice), Lela Martinez (Steve Frank), Alice Bell, Jessica Shead (DeShawn), Walter Herbert Morris, III, Gabriela Martinez, Margaret Bell and Marian Bell and six great-grandchildren.

Dr. Morris will be missed by his many surviving nieces, nephews and countless friends throughout the country.

Due to COVID concerns, a small family service will be held followed by a celebration of his extraordinary life later in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Downs Memorial in memory of Walter H. Morris MD, or to Howard University College of Medicine (giving.Howard.edu).