Morris Paskell Jr., was born to the late Morris Paskell, Sr., and Jeffie Lee "Walker" Paskell on September 19, 1937, in Bradenton, Florida.
He converted his life to Christ at an early age at St. Mary M.B. Church in Bradenton, Florida, under the pastorship of Reverend Richard Hammonds. After moving to Rochester, New York, he joined First Church of God, where he was led by Pastor Shankle.
Lastly, he was an active member of St. Paul M.B. Church under Reverend James Roberts. He attended Manatee County schools, where he graduated from Lincoln Memorial High School. After graduation, he attended Florida A&M University on a baseball scholarship. He attended Hillsborough Community College, where he earned his certification in correction.
He worked and lived in Rochester, New York, at Kodak and Shantel Lounge for many years before returning to Florida.
After returning to Florida, he was employed by Bradenton Community Center as a correction officer supervisor for over 27 years before he retired. Sitting around with nothing to do, he did volunteer work with St. Vincent Depaul Thrift Store for over 18 years until his health began to fail. He considered them as his extended family.
He was one of two original players for the Bradenton Nine Devils Baseball Team who was still alive. The team was part of the Florida State Negro Baseball League. He was blessed to throw out the first pitch at one of the Bradenton Marauders games honoring the Bradenton Nine Devils and a recipient of one of the replica jerseys they wore during the game.
On June 14, 2025, there was an unveiling of the historical monument/marker honoring the Bradenton Nine Devils baseball team. The marker is placed directly in front of the entry area at LECOM Park Baseball Field, off of 17th Avenue and 9th Street West in Bradenton.
Brother Paskell loved his St. Paul M.B. Church family and was a supported of the youth department.
He was preceded in death by his father, Morris Paskell, Sr., and mother, Jeffie Lee "Walker" Paskell, and one daughter, Linda Ashford (Perry).
Morris leaves to cherish his memories: his son, Ronald "Renard" Bratcher (Lillie); two daughters, Valerie Brooks (Willie) and Cheryl Elzey (Calvin); nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grands; and a host of other family and friends, including two goddaughters, Lydia Copeland-McNeal and Anita Copeland Lewis, and special friends, Moses and Susie Antunes.
