New Arrival at the TigerMan Karate Dojo & Museum: Bill Morris’s Grandfather Clock

Spa Guy
Nov 1
3 min read

A new piece of Memphis history has found its way home to the TigerMan Karate Dojo & Museum — a beautiful grandfather clock once owned by former Shelby County Sheriff and Mayor, Bill Morris. This isn’t just any clock; it’s a timeless piece that tells the story of friendship, leadership, and Memphis legacy — a story that connects directly to Elvis Presley himself.

The Man Behind the Clock: Bill Morris

Born on September 29, 1932, Bill Morris devoted his life to service and community. He served as Sheriff of Shelby County from 1964 to 1970, a role that placed him at the center of one of America’s most historic and tragic moments. During his tenure, he oversaw the custody of James Earl Ray, the man who confessed — and later recanted — to the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Bill continued his public service as Mayor of Shelby County from 1978 to 1994, where he became known for his vision and leadership. Among his many accomplishments, he was instrumental — alongside park superintendent Tom Hill — in introducing the herd of bison at Shelby Farms, a project that remains a hallmark of Memphis heritage today.

In 1994, Bill ran for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Tennessee, finishing second to Phil Bredesen. His name still resonates across the state, even appearing on Bill Morris Parkway, a tribute to his decades of impact on the community.

Bill Morris passed away on July 25, 2025, at the age of 92 — leaving behind a legacy of leadership, loyalty, and genuine Southern character.

A Friend to Elvis Presley

Beyond his public service, Bill Morris was a close personal friend of Elvis Presley, and in the opinion of the Spa Guy, could be considered an honorary member of the Memphis Mafia — that trusted circle of friends who shared Elvis’s personal and private world.

Bill’s loyalty to Elvis ran deep, and his respect for the King’s charitable and patriotic heart inspired one of Elvis’s greatest public honors:Bill Morris was directly responsible for nominating Elvis Presley for the Jaycees “Ten Outstanding Young Men of America” award in 1971.

That nomination led to one of the proudest moments of Elvis’s life, when he stood before the Jaycees in Memphis to accept the award — an emotional and dignified recognition that Bill himself helped make possible.

The Grandfather Clock’s Story

The newly acquired grandfather clock comes directly from the Morris family, and it carries deep sentimental value. In a recorded conversation with the Spa Guy, Bill Morris shared that he bought the clock for his wife, a gesture of love that became a treasured centerpiece in their home.

Bill’s sons later told the Spa Guy that their father deeply valued that clock, setting it to chime many times throughout the day — its rich tones creating warmth and rhythm throughout the Morris household.

That same beautiful sound can now be heard again, ringing proudly in the TigerDen at the TigerMan Karate Dojo & Museum.

A Legacy Preserved

Today, this elegant clock stands not only as a tribute to Bill Morris, but also as a reminder of the ties between Memphis history, public service, and Elvis Presley’s world — a world the TigerMan Museum proudly preserves and shares with fans from around the globe.

Visitors can now experience the gentle chime that once filled the Morris home — a lasting echo of friendship, family, and Memphis pride.

Come visit the TigerMan Karate Dojo & Museum, just one mile from Graceland, and see this special new addition for yourself.The clock of a sheriff, a mayor, a friend of Elvis, and the man who helped the King receive one of his highest honors — now keeps time in the TigerDen, where history lives on.