Philip Morris Jr., 56, Owner Of Morris-Bates Funeral Home

Philip Morris Jr. - a suave Texan whose interest in others complemented his commitment to his career - helped define the African-American mortuary business in Washington as well as Texas.

"His work was his life," said his brother Edward Loving, of Federal Way. "It was hard to get him to relax and take a break. He was formal, a gentleman. But he was always concerned about others, how he could help them. He was a people-person from his heart."

Mr. Morris died of heart failure Dec. 17 at 56.

Born in Fort Worth, he was intense and meticulous even as a young boy, his brother said.

Mr. Morris attended Catholic schools in Texas and Xavier University in New Orleans, La., majoring in business education.

He worked in sales for the Xerox Corp. for several years. Then he became interested in the mortuary business, and attended Gupton Jones School of Mortuary Science in Dallas, along with his mother, Hazel Bates, now of Tacoma.

Together they opened Morris-Bates Mortuary in Fort Worth in 1965.

On a trip to Seattle in the late 1980s, Mr. Morris was asked to collaborate with a group of business people to open Southwest Mortuary. He designed the facility and served as director.

In 1991, he opened Morris-Bates Mortuary in Tacoma - that area's first African-American-run funeral home. His family continues to operate the facility.

Mr. Morris may have been a serious, formal man who enjoyed wearing elegant suits and assisting clients and friends with their needs, to the last detail.

But he could be persuaded to "let down" by going fishing, and enjoying the company of his children.

And he sometimes even showed an impish side, his brother said: "When he was younger, when the cigarette-advertising slogan was popular, he liked to stand up in front of people and shout, `Call for Philip Morris!' "

Mr. Morris' other survivors include his children Jaime Morris, of New Orleans, La.; Philip Morris III, Midland, Texas; Tony Morris and Christopher Morris, Los Angeles; and Michael Morris and Phylisha Morris, Seattle.

Funeral services and Prince Hall Masonic services have been held. Remembrances may go to American Heart Association, 4414 Woodland Park Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98103..