Dr. Bennie G. McMorris, Jr.

Dr. Bennie Gerald McMorris, Jr. a Higher Education Administrator, known by many names Jerry, Bennie, Fruit, Uncle BG, Uncle Bennie and Dr. Mac each carrying their own story, was born on October 14, 1951, in Asheville, NC to Bennie G. McMorris, Sr. (deceased) and Lillie Louise Reed McMorris (deceased) the eldest of four children. He was called home to be with the Lord on June 29, 2025.

Bennie was known as the “above and beyond big brother” for all of his life. Bennie attended Hill Street Elementary, David Millard Junior High School and graduated from South French Board High School where he made many friends. He learned about Boy Scouts, Tennis and how to play the saxophone, which began his love for instrumental music.

He continued his education at North Carolina A &T State University, beginning his freshman year in the fall of 1969 and graduated in May 1973, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Education, (Psychology). During his matriculation, he was very active, engaged and involved with his friends, students and faculty. On November 3, 1970, he became an Omega Man of the Mu Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and loved wearing the purple and gold. As an Omega Man, he continued the work of the Brotherhood following his undergraduate membership in Mu Psi Chapter at North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro. Bennie served as Basileus (President) of Tau Chapter from 1977-1978 at Atlanta University, GA. Later, he transferred his chapter membership to Kappa Alpha Alpha in Decatur, GA where he served on numerous Chapter committees. Bennie was Vice President of the Student Government his senior year after working in several leadership positions throughout his collegiate pursuit.  He was overjoyed returning to his alma mater to become installed as a Golden Aggie Alumni, a fifty-year graduate wearing the gold robe with his Omega stole on May 13, 2023. His thirst for knowledge led him to Atlanta University, GA earning his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. Still not ready to stop his learning, he attended Vanderbilt University, TN where he received his Doctorate Degree in Higher Education Administration. He also received a Fulbright-Hays Study Fellowship Scholar Ghana and Cameron making a global impact finally, he earned a Certificate of Management and Leadership in Education from Harvard University, MA.

Professionally, he invested over some thirty years of mentoring, counselling and guiding college students during their college experience in the area of Student Affairs. His passion for students’ success and his academic preparedness equipped him as he led thousands of students from academic to successful productive careers as adults. He served as Director of Students Affairs moving to Vice President of Student Affairs beginning at Metropolitan Community College GA, Pratt Institute NY, Hampton University VA and the University of Alabama-Huntsville UA. His career shifted before retiring working at the Department of Education and served two years on President Barack Obama’s Educational Team in Washington, DC. One may find it hard to believe that in retirement, he became an Elementary Substitute teacher, to educate young minds, to serve as a role model for young Black boys to support and making learning fun. He believed strongly that, “The Children are our future” and to sow greatness in them.

Education and Music were Bennie’s enjoyments in life. If he could help you he would, but he mostly enjoyed watching you figure it out on your own, with a little help from him. His favorite instrument was his flute; he took it with him everywhere he would go.  He would play to entertain or just to relax.

Bennie loved to dress! He took so much pride in coordinating his attire, even when it was dress down day at work. His signature accessory were his bowties. He enjoyed wearing his colorful attire to all occasions.

Bennie was an entertaining, Chef. He enjoyed trying something new, then fixing it his way. Crepes were his favorites.

Benne was a devoted father to his daughter Shannon, his only child. He enjoyed introducing her and showing her what life was like in the real world. Their bond was rooted in mutual respect, spirited debates, laughter and a love of sports.

Bennie was born and raised in St. John Church of God Holiness in Asheville NC. He was trained in his home and church, throughout his childhood and his young adult years, the ways of the Lord. Bennie, the outgoing people person he visited and became involved with ministry life in each city he resided. In his elder years, he joined Bethel A. M. E. Church in Hampton VA serving to fulfil the God given mission of the church and his Pastor. He became an active member of the congregation. He cherished the fellowship and support, and he was thankful for the Word of God he received.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother’s: Preston Louis McMorris and Marvin McMorris, and his half-sister Benita McMorris. He is survived by his daughter, Shannon Anderson McMorris of Charlotte, NC, his sister Claudia Revondia McMorris of Decatur, GA, his half-brother Bernard Gregory (Cynthia) McMorris of Ellenwood, GA, and half-nephew Bernard Gregory McMorris II of Conyers, GA., Charles (Robin) Watson of Havelock, NC, Rickie Watson, of Phoenixville, PA, Kelvin (Carla) Watson of Owings Mills, MD Gregory Watson, of San Diego, CA, Dorothy Jones, of Asheville, NC and a host of precious saints, former colleagues, students, and dear friends.

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