Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Morris Funeral Home began in 1919 near the end of World War I as Reynold’s
Undertaking Service. Started by Gus Reynolds, the great uncle of Gus Morris, Jr., it was located near the
Thomas Wolfe Home on Spruce Street. A County Commissioner and heavily
involved in Asheville politics, Mr. Reynolds brought his nephew, William T.
“Bill” Morris into the family business in 1925. Bill Morris (grandfather of Gus Morris, Jr.) took
over the business from his uncle Gus following his retirement in 1934.
During his time in the leadership of Morris Funeral Home, Bill moved the
business location to the 100 block of Merrimon Avenue also changing the name to
Morris Funeral Home. Gus Morris, Sr. joined his father in the family
business in 1962 and following the death of his father in 1971, became the third generation of the Morris family to
own and operate the funeral home. During Gus Sr.'s time managing Morris
Funeral Home, he relocated the business to 304 Merrimon Avenue by building a
new funeral home in 1966. This new location included a chapel and large
reception rooms filled with beautiful antiques and paintings which had been
passed down from previous generations. Always looking to enhance the
services offered to families served by Morris Funeral Home, Gus Sr. oversaw the
installation of a crematory in 1982 making this another first for Buncombe County.
Gus Morris, Jr. joined the funeral home
family business in 1985 and worked alongside his father until Gus Sr.’s
retirement in 1990. Gus, Jr. continues the family business today, with
the same business principles and values of those before him. Recently,
his son Seth Morris joined the staff making him the fifth generation of Morris
Funeral Home. We are proud that in 2019, the Morris family will celebrate 100
years of service to the families of Western North Carolina.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.
We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond with kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Founded in 1919, Morris Funeral & Cremation Care has been serving families in the Asheville/Buncombe County area longer than any other funeral home. Family owned and operated for close to 100 years, Morris Funeral & Cremation Care is under the direction of the fourth generation of Morris family members.
Our Guiding Philosophy
Our establishment is operated by a staff of highly trained, local personnel, people who make their homes in Asheville, people who are interested in this community because they live here, just as do those they serve. This special interest is reflected in the friendly, courteous attention at Morris Funeral & Cremation Care, a personal interest in the welfare of neighbors and fellow citizens.
Because we at Morris Funeral & Cremation Care have never been content with just "ordinary" funeral service, we have established a reputation highly regarded in Asheville - a reputation for thoughtful, dignified service under all circumstances. At Morris Funeral & Family Care we serve just as we would like to be served.
Convenience
As a full-service company, we handle all the related details of planning ceremonies. From our facility, we can assist you in selecting cemetery property, making arrangements for burial outside the area, purchasing flowers and purchasing monuments for the cemetery.
Services, Products and Prices
We offer the greatest number of choices in our region. Our charges are clearly itemized and presented before you make any decisions. Of course, our fees usually change annually, so feel free to call for current prices.
Explore Our Location
See where we are located.
Morris Funeral & Cremation Care
