Morris Woodard, 73, passed away on June 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and dedication. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 18, 1953, Morris was the eldest twin born to the union of Marvin L. Woodard and Myrdis (Smith) Woodard. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, and his twin brother, Maurice.

Morris grew up in East St. Louis, attending the local public school system, and successfully graduated from the SIU-E Upward Bound Program. After living and working in St. Paul, Minnesota, for a few years, he returned to East St. Louis. He dedicated his professional life to the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, working faithfully as a conductor until his retirement.

A man of deep faith, Morris was baptized at an early age at St. Paul Baptist Church. Later in life, he became a devoted member of the Parkside House of Prayer under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Chandler, where Morris once served as an assistant minister.

In his younger years, Morris was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and taking his boat out for fishing trips. He was also an avid chess player who was always on the lookout for a good match, and he possessed a lifelong passion for jazz music. Retirement allowed him to explore his creative side, and he became skilled at crafting fine jewelry and performing delicate repair work.

While Morris has no biological children, he stepped into the role of a devoted father to his late twin Maurice's son, Delon Woodard.

He is survived by his loving siblings: Janet Rattler, Minister Marvin (Zenee) Woodard, Jr., Zandra (Pastor Carl) Thomas, and sister-in-law, Iris Woodard; his uncle, Arthur Smith; his aunts, Mabel Smith, Mary Smith, and Julia Smith; his nephews, Delon Woodard, Carl Thomas, Jr., Carlton Thomas, and Lashawn Woodard; his nieces, Lauriel (Rattler) Collins, Brittney Rattler, and Zenita Thomas; and many cherished cousins, including Booker Smith.