William Morris Boddie was born on May 10, 1943 in Balti-

more, Maryland; the youngest of four children born to the late

Annie Elmeta Jones and the late James Ervin Boddie Sr.

Morris, as he was lovingly known to his family, was also

preceded in death by his three siblings, Annie Christine

Stevenson, Lois Elmer Boddie, and James Ervin Boddie Jr.

Morris attended Baltimore City Public schools, graduating

from Douglass High School in 1961. He worked several jobs

over his lifetime, but most notably, he worked for McCor-

mick & Spice (Maryland Spice) and Elite Spice.

He was a hardworking man, who loved adventure and making

people laugh with his great sense of humor. Whenever he

wasn't working, he loved traveling up and down I95 connect-

ing with family, seeing old friends, and making new ones.

One never knew if Morris was going to attend a family

gathering, but the anticipation was so great, it couldn't escape

anyone's conversation. You knew when he arrived, because

he would pop-in with a grand entrance and light up the room

with his huge smile and warm heart.

After retirement, Morris made his home in Washington, DC

at The Petersburg, which is a towering building with a beau-

tiful view overlooking the city. We often affectionately teased

him by calling him George Jefferson! He was always extend-

ing a helping hand to his neighbors, often forsaking his own

health. He mostly enjoyed spending time with his grandchil-

dren, especially the youngest one, Bryson.

Morris departed this life on February 6, 2020, after succumb-

ing to a hard-fort battle with cancer. Like the soldier he was,

he successfully battled cancer for years with a smile and a

laugh, but it ultimately overtook him in a fairly short time

period. He spent his remaining precious time surrounded by

his family, and like he lived his life, worrying more about

them .... than he did himself.

,

He leaves to cherish his memory: Son: John Gaskins (Maria);

Daughters: Angela Evans, Annie Christine Boddie, and Ka-

trina Boddie; Grandchildren: Derasia Dorsey, Destiny

Velez, Amanda Candelora, Kevin Candelora, Alecia Cande-

lora, Adriana Evans, Jarman Evans, Pablo Martindale Jr.,

Shaquanna Martindale, Delonte Freeman Jr., Rapheal Bod-

die, Kamelle Boddie, and Bryson Henderson; Great-Grand-

children: Amari anna Larry, Messiah Rose, Sharye

Martindale, Summer Martindale-Harris, and Cassidy Martin-

dale-Harris; Aunt: Lillian Covington; Brother-in-law: Jo-

seph "Steve" Stevenson; Niece: Zelda Jessup (James);

Nephew: Kenneth Fleet Sr. (Anita); Great-nieces: Tiffany

(Keith) and Kaylin; Great-nephews: Brandon and Kenneth

II; and a host of other special cousins, family, and friends.