Visitation: Friday, December 19, 2025
Visitation Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Visitation Location: New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
311 Marker Street
Altamonte Springs, FL
Service Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Service Time: 10:00 AM
Service Location: New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
311 Marker Street
Altamonte Springs, FL
Obituary:
Alvin “Big Al” Morse, Sr., 74, of Alachua, departed this life on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Al was born on February 19, 1951 in Sanford, Florida to the late Joella D. and Ernest Morse. After completing his formal education, Al began preparing himself for a life dedicated to music, performing and expanding his entertainment portfolio.
In 1968, he was the first Black student to win first place at the predominately white Lyman High School talent show in Longwood, Fl. The song he sang to win was Otis Redding’s “Dock of the Bay.”
“The people just kept cheering and I had to come back for an encore,” Morse said. Soon after he turned pro and had his own band called Public Opinion. Then, in 1974, Morse auditioned for rocker Joey Dee, who was famous for such songs as “The Peppermint Twist,” in the early ‘60s. For over a decade, Al toured with Joey Dee and the Starliters, adored by a growing number of fans who loved his personality as well as his musical talents.
From 1997 to 2008, he was a member of The Coasters. He later toured with various shows, singing everything from the Blues Brothers to Cab Calloway.
One night in 2010, Gerry “Rocky” Seader of the Rollers called Morse as a last-minute substitute for a show in The Villages. The crowd went wild when Morse offered his soulful versions of Motown and other songs. It was something the Rollers lacked. They had always been a tight band, but never really had a dominant, soulful lead singer. Morse changed all that.
Over the years, Al has been fronting what is arguably The Villages most popular rock and roll band. He gave them a tremendous vocal presence and knew the oldies and he sung them the way they were meant to be sung. But it’s not just Morse’s voice that touches the throng of fans that turn out in The Villages each time the Rollers perform. Morse had a personality and appeal that transcends music. Morse had a bubbling personality and cuddly, teddy-bear presence. Everybody seems to want to hug Morse or shake his hand. He was a performer whose showmanship will forever be treasured not only by fans of The Villages, but also around the world.
His legacy will be cherished by his five sons, Corey Morse, Derrick (Saskie) Morse, Alvin (Mary) Morse Jr., Michael Morse, Brian (Jasmine) Morse; sisters, Joann (Roy) Campbell, Vivian Wendell, Brenda Morse, Rosetta (Charlie) Brown; brother, Ernest Morse Jr.; devoted companion/fiancée, Barbara White; 10 grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and numerous friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 5-7PM at the church. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, 10:00 AM at New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 311 Marker Street, Altamonte Springs, FL.
13 Comments
Rest in peace cousin. You will surely be missed.
Cousin Marsha
I will miss you forever Al.my pal. You brought joy and love to so many. RIP dear friend. Sing with the angels Sister Clarence
Hope you get a chance to “Sit On The Dock of the Bay!” I won’t forget our Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell duet. Singing has always been what you wanted to do and you did it oh so well. My prayers are with your family and may you rest in peace. May God Be With You. Neddie Farrier Trotter.
You were my first friend when I moved to Orlando in 1998.
Those rocking days at Casselberrys were golden.
Your singing legacy is well known, but you were a heartfelt entertainer….. loved and admired by thousands through the years. I cherish our friendship forever. It was a pleasure to have been a part of your life for so many years. You are where the water sings along with you Alvin. Rest easy…. you are home. Many blessings to your family…. you will be so missed.
Always in my heart,
Carla and Tony Catallo
Prayers to.the family. Yes I will.also.never forget his singing “Sitting on The Dock of The Bay” Awesome. Rest in eternal peace!
I’m gonna miss your smile, jokes and love. You will always be in my heart big bro. Hugs and kisses forever
May the Lord keep the family strong. Al is missed and will continue to be missed. May He RPIH. 🕊️🕊️🙏🏾📖
With my most deepest and sincere condolences so sorry for your loss.
God adds another great singer to the heavenly choir
Uncle Alvin – we are gutted to know that we we’ll have to go through the rest of our lives on earth without seeing you. My father Joey Dee is inconsolable. You are one of one Uncle Alvin. You showed me that color or religion meant nothing and from the young age of two years old, you were just uncle my Uncle Alvin. I love you so much thank you for loving me and my family as I am writing this I am in tears. I’m not afraid to die because I know you will be waiting for me. I love you forever your nephew, Louie. Dee.
I am going to. miss you singing voice and your alway smile. I know you are singing and rejoice in God’s heavenly place. Always Love. Sis
I appreciate you Al you’re a true friend you always gave from the heart. Al you were first in line when I needed encouragement and you always gave me hope. For that I will always be thankful my friend.
My songbird cousin will be missed by a lot of friends & family.
Our condolences to the family. Love from Rachel & Charles McMillon
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