HARTFORD, Ky. — Bill Jo Morse, 89, of Hartford, left this world on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Bill was born to Leslie B. and Leotta G. (Hill) Morse on Sept. 16, 1935, in Carrier Mills, Illinois.
He graduated from Carrier Mills High School in 1954 and then served in the United States Army. Bill was married to JoAnn Dunn on Dec. 30, 1961, in Carrier Mills. After serving in the Army, he created a successful trucking business. He and his family moved to Ohio County, Kentucky, in 1968, to develop what would become Rough River Coal Company. Over the course of his life, he created successful businesses in the areas of mining, land development and construction. Bill also contributed extensively to the growth of Ohio County as well as southwest Florida.
Mr. Morse had passions for travel, being outdoors and watching sports, especially auto racing. Bill had a life-long interest in public service and always strived to create opportunities for others. Above all, he loved his family. He was always willing to sacrifice anything for those he loved. You could never leave his presence without being told to check in and be careful.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Starla Jo Morse; a son, Leslie Brad Morse; and a grandson, Michael Paul Dockery.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 63 years, JoAnn (Dunn) Morse; daughter, Angel (Mike) Dockery; and son, Billy (Lara) Morse, all of Hartford. Also surviving are grandchildren, Lance (Ashley) Smith, of Hartford, Cody Smith, of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, Michelle Dockery, of Owensboro, Kentucky, BJ (Lauren) Morse, of Hartford, Bria (Christopher) Johnson, of Hartford, Morgan Morse and Cole Hansen, of Venice, Florida, and Bo Morse, of Hartford. He is additionally survived by great-grandchildren, Michael, Case, Jesse, Jax, Lux, McKinley, Mila, Aris, Jasper, and Heidi.
Services will be held Wednesday, March 26, at 1 p.m. at Bevil Bros. Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Hartford.
Online condolences may be made at bevilbrosfuneralhomes.com.
