Date of Birth: November 29, 1934
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: August 2, 1999
Biography
Willie Morris was a celebrated American writer and editor best known for his evocative memoirs and profound influence on Southern literature. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Morris grew up in Yazoo City, a place that would greatly influence his literary work. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he became editor of the university’s newspaper, The Daily Texan, and gained a reputation for his fearless editorial stance on various social issues. After college, Morris moved to New York City and became the youngest editor-in-chief of Harper’s Magazine at the age of 32. His tenure at Harper’s was marked by a commitment to high literary standards and the publication of many significant articles and stories. Morris wrote several acclaimed books, including “North Toward Home” and “My Dog Skip,” which was later adapted into a popular film. Morris’s writing often explored themes of Southern identity, memory, and the passage of time. He was known for his ability to capture the essence of the American South and its complex history. His works continue to be celebrated for their lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance.
5 Interesting Facts about Willie Morris
1. Willie Morris was the youngest editor-in-chief in the history of Harper’s Magazine.
2. His memoir “My Dog Skip” was adapted into a film starring Frankie Muniz and Kevin Bacon.
3. Morris was a Rhodes Scholar and studied at Oxford University.
4. He wrote a children’s book titled “Good Old Boy: A Delta Boyhood,” which also became a television movie.
5. Morris was known for his close friendships with literary figures such as William Styron and James Jones.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Willie Morris
1. “It’s hard to turn away from the South. It’s almost as hard to look away. The South is a place. East, west, and north are nothing but directions.”
2. “Memory is the basis of every journey.”
3. “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
4. “There is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”
5. “Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Willie Morris’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around $1 million.
Children
Willie Morris had one son, David Rae Morris, who is a noted photographer and journalist.
Relevant Links
1. [Willie Morris on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Morris
