Read Willie ""Buddy"" George Mornes, Sr.'s Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Willie ""Buddy"" George Mornes, Sr.

Emory, TX

April 2, 1936 - February 7, 2025

Apr 2, 1936 - Feb 7, 2025

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Willie George Mornes, affectionately known as “Buddy” to his family and close friends, was born April 2, 1936 in Malone, Texas to George “Pete” and Irene Driver Mornes. He was the oldest of eight children.

Willie “Buddy” departed his earthly body and surrendered quietly to God’s call on February 7, 2025. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a very early age. He preached his first sermon around the age of 18 years old referencing John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

He knew God had a calling on his life and took his responsibilities seriously. As the oldest sibling, he made the selfless choice to leave school as early as the third grade to help care for his brothers and sisters. This reflects his loving and caring spirit from such a young age.

Willie George Mornes “Buddy” married Minnie Lee Brown Mornes on March

27, 1954. He shared a beautiful marriage in Decatur, Texas and together, they built a legacy of love until her passing on August 8, 1959. To their union, there were four children: Leonard Charles Mornes (12/27/54), Janice Marie Mornes Silmon (12/19/56), Doris Lashunne Mornes Brown (5/30/59), and Deloris Lyvonne Mornes Walter (5/30/59). Mother Tebora Lee Hurd, mother-in-law to “Buddy,” played a vital role in helping the widowed father rear his four young children (her grandchildren).

Willie “Buddy” met and married Willene Robinson Mornes (July 3, 1963). Their union brought two additional children: Willie George Mornes, Jr. and Stephanie Lorraine Mornes Thomas. Though their marriage ended, their friendship remained, and Willie cherished the bond they shared. Willie “Buddy” truly left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him, offering wisdom, laughter, and an open heart to all.

Willie “Buddy” often shared his powerful testimony of how the Lord saved his life in the 60's during the construction of LBJ Freeway. While working, a steel

beam struck a power line, sending a deadly electrical current through the soles of his shoes.

Miraculously, he survived the 30-foot fall that followed, but tragically, his co-worker did not. This experience became a defining moment in “Buddy’s” life and faith.

Willie “Buddy” was well-known for his passion for construction jobs and his love for building. A skilled carpenter, he thrived on walking construction sites,

offering electrical advice, and working with his hands. Beyond construction, “Buddy” had a deep appreciation for classic cars, land, and investments. He cherished his family and understood the significance of building a lasting legacy.

He was up for all challenges: building the exact home in which he lived until his last breath, restoring cars, enjoying traveling even in his prime years, working with limited mobility in his hands and fingers, you name it! He believed in working for what he desired to have for himself and family. He was a man who worked his entire life (literally) and one to provide for his family. He LOVED family!

He was preceded in death by his parents, George “Pete” and Irene Driver Mornes; his daughters, Doris Lashunne Mornes Brown and Deloris Lyvonne Mornes Walter; his brothers, Edward Lee Mornes, Michael Davis Mornes, Herman Mornes, and Joe Lynn Driver; and his sisters, Lottie Mae Mornes Dixon, Jo Helen Mornes Brown, and Barbarene Mornes.

Those left behind to cherish Willie’s memory are his children, Leonard Charles Mornes, Janice Marie Mornes Silmon, Stephanie Mornes Thomas (Andrew), Willie George Mornes, Jr., grandchildren, Taymisha Kelley Gutlery (Ronald), Chelsea Silmon Pearce, Bobbie Silmon Carrington (Vincent), Kandace Walter, Kimberlee Walter, Kenneth Walter, Jr., Krystal Thomas, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

“Buddy’s” nephew, Willie Cross, shared an exceptionally close bond with him over the years. Known as “Uncle Buddy” to Willie Cross, his mentorship and work ethics had a profound impact. At just 13 years old, Willie Cross played a significant role in helping Uncle Buddy build the home where he peacefully passed away on February 7, 2025. Also, his niece, Shelia Brown, had a special place in his heart.

His legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)