BEN T. MORRIS

04/08/1946 - 06/26/2023

Ben Tillman Morris died peacefully at his home on Monday, June 26, 2023. He fought a brave 18 month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family who will miss him very much, including his wife of nearly 57 years, Margaret Ann Morris.

Ben was born April 8, 1946 in Dallas, where he grew up and attended South Oak Cliff High School, graduating in 1963. In 1967, he earned his Bachelor of Science in accounting at the University of North Texas, where he was awarded Distinguished Alumnus in 2011. His early ambitions included becoming a CPA, which he did in 1968, passing the test the first time.

Ben started his professional career at Price Waterhouse & Co., an international accounting firm. He then served as Chief Financial Officer and then President of Mid-American Oil Company. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of Tatham Corporation, a company also involved in the oil and gas industry. His proudest career accomplishment was serving as Chief Executive Officer of Sanders Morris Harris Group, a firm he co-founded in 1987, from 2000-2009. He worked alongside his most respected mentors, friends and colleagues, who shared his success and integrity. Ben served as a director of a number of public and private companies over his career.

Ben took great pride in his children and grandchildren, reveling in each of their births. The joy and challenges of raising his own children evolved into celebrating each of their choices of spouses and life partners. He truly adored his daughter in-law Sonali, and sons in-law Nils and Alex, as much as his own children Sharla, Steven and Lindsay.

Becoming a grandfather was another of his great life joys, sharing fun times, travel and lots of laughs. He demonstrated his values and beliefs with guidance, compassion and tremendous love, and was always true to his promises. His life motto was to treat others fairly and with respect.

Together with Margaret, Ben made numerous charitable contributions. Rather than a favorite charity, he and Margaret supported many causes close to their hearts. In 2022, they formed a family foundation, giving every family member a voice and a vote in their contributions. He also volunteered, most notably as a business mentor to incarcerated people who had dreams of starting their businesses after serving their sentence.

Traveling and cruising the world with Margaret and many of their friends was one of his favorite hobbies. He also learned to play the guitar at an early age, playing and singing for friends and family on many occasions over the years. But his absolute favorite pastime was watching his beloved Houston Astros Baseball team.

Ben is predeceased by his parents Edna Earle Hilley and Ben T. Morris. He is survived by his wife Margaret, his sister Sheila Joan Watson, his son and daughter in-law Steven and Sonali Morris, his daughters and sons in-law Sharla and Nils Barrett and Lindsay and Alex Mousoudakis, and his grandchildren Olivia and Paige Barrett, Raj and Ravi Morris, and Georgia and Mila Mousoudakis.

Services with be held at Chapelwood Methodist Church on Friday, August

11, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice.