W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Morris Ray Bethel, 67, of Louisville, departed this life on Monday, October 5, 2026, and entered eternal rest.
Morris Ray Bethel, affectionately known as Uncle Mo or Uncle Trunk, was born May 30, 1959, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the fourth of five children born to the late Willie Mae Bethel and was raised by the late Jesse Bethel.

Visitation 6pm-8pm Thursday, October 22, 2026, at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral 10am Friday at Glory & Fire Worship Center 8804 National Turnpike, Fairdale, KY. Burial Kentucky Veteran Cemetery 2501 N Dixie Blvd, Radcliff, KY.

Morris was educated in the Jefferson County Public Schools and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1977. He attended Kentucky State University before beginning a career in the military. He served 15 years on active duty and was honorably discharged. He continued his service in the Army Reserves and completed tours at Fort Bragg, in Germany, and in Iraq. For the last 10 years of his career, he was employed by Lexus of Louisville.

Morris was a faithful man who was baptized at a young age. He found his church family at Glory and Fire Worship Center, where he joined the choir. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, listening to music, and dressing well. Most Sundays, he could be found wearing a three-piece suit. He also loved fishing and spent many weekends at the lake catching catfish. Morris had a sense of humor and had a running joke with most members of his family. He usually had everyone laughing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Mae Bethel and Robert Lee Burks; his sisters, Mary Ann Johnson, Vivian Bethel, and Cynethia Williams; his grandchild, Skylor Bethel; and his great-grandchild, Kalani.

Morris leaves to cherish his memory four sisters: Justina Woodmore (Roderick), Sharon Heston, Connie Clay, and Wanda Coleman (Bruce); one brother, George Burks (Pamela); his children, Tramell Bethel and LaShawnna Clancy-Preston; his grandchildren, Seanneshia Clancy, KeSeana Jones, Baileigh Bethel, Kaileigh Bethel, and Kyleigh Bethel; his great-grandchildren, Asiyah, Alani, Charlie, Antonio Jr., and Alica; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

2 TIMOTHY 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”