Morris Lamar Billups

Morris Lamar “Red” Billups was born to the late Mr. John Henry Billups and Ms. Azzie Lee Drake, October 27, 1958, in Athens, GA.

He was raised in Athens by his mother and stepfather and attended Clarke County public schools. Morris left school early to enter the workforce. Over the course of his life, Morris worked in multiple career paths, including construction, lawn services, painting, and cleaning and dining services, but had a penchant for janitorial work. He took pride in his work and was meticulous with each task he completed. When Morris established Billups Cleaning Service, he was over the moon with excitement.

In 1985, he met the love of his life, Sandra Lee Fulton. Morris and Sandra were so happy, fell in love, and were married the following year. They loved doing things together, having fun, and dressing up for nights on the town. Morris loved Sandra’s girls as his own and they all still laugh at the inside jokes and memories they had with Morris aka Morkeeko, to them. When LaMorris came along, he welcomed his namesake and was overjoyed to have a son. He doted on LaMorris and raised him to be a humble, kind, and hardworking young man. Morris and Sandra were married until she was called Home to Glory in 2016. Morris would frequently remind anyone who knew Sandra that she was the best woman that ever came into his life and that he would always love her.

Morris enjoyed many hobbies, including playing basketball, at which he was an amazing baller; if you had Red on your side you were bound to be part of the winning team. He loved listening to music, particularly Michael Jackson hits. Morris also enjoyed cooking and knew his way around the kitchen; he could make a mean pot of chili and throw-down on the grill. Although he was a small man, when he was able, he could eat his weight in his favorite foods, fried chicken, Sandra’s collard greens, potato salad, and banana pudding. He was fun, witty, a jokester, who loved amusement parks, arcade games, and visiting parks in Georgia.

Throughout his life, Morris faced a plethora of medical challenges related to his esophagus and stomach, which stemmed from childhood. He was always fearless and brave, whether it was a routine dilation of his throat, open heart surgery, or most recently esophageal cancer. He had always known that his esophageal issues would worsen as he aged, and he turned to Jesus for help. Although Morris was not healed on this side of heaven, our faith leads us to believe that he is in a much better place and has been made whole. He will never be forgotten.

Morris departed his earthly life to be with his Heavenly Father on March 30, 2026. He is preceded in death by his supportive stepfather, Mr. Rufus Jackson; his beloved wife, Mrs. Sandra Fulton Billups; brother, Mr. Victor Watts; and sister, Ms. Paulett Smith. Morris leaves to cherish his memory a multitude of family; his dear mother, Ms. Azzie Lee Jackson; his loyal and faithful son, Mr. LaMorris Billups; three treasured bonus daughters, Ms. Tracy Harper, Mrs. Sandrika (Keith) Walker, and Ms. Amanda Cross; four lovely granddaughters, Ms. Mikah Harper, Ms. Laryn Cross, Ms. Kayla Walker, and Ms. Londyn Walker, who both affectionately call Morris their Grandpawpaw; three hardworking brothers, Mr. Dexter Jackson, Mr. Jeffery (Jackie) Jackson, and Mr. Anthony (Meeka) Jackson; seven loving sisters, Ms. Carolyn Haygood, Ms. Ruby Lee Watts, Ms. Marie Watts, Ms. Gwendolyn (Benny) Wise, Ms. Sandra Watts, Ms. Lisa Jackson, and Ms. Luward Kerr; a myriad of paternal (Billups) siblings; a special aunt and cousin, Ms. Zadie Smith and Mr. James Smith; three dedicated brothers-in-law, Mr. Harold Fulton, Jr., Dwight (Nita) Fulton, and Mr. Michael Fulton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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