Nutcrackers bring life to his holidays

Lifestyle cover story and photos for The Commercial Appeal

December 25, 2008

In the fantasy world of the “The Nutcracker” ballet, a wooden nutcracker comes to life to defend young Clara from the Mouse King and his army.

In the work-a-day world of Billy Ray Morris of Oakland, Tenn., a truck driver for Pepsi America for 23 years, more than 200 nutcrackers bring life to his home this time of year.

The nutcracker collection fills the home he shares with his wife, Judith, 50, and 78-year-old mother, Billie, both of whom help him set up the displays around Thanksgiving each year. The process can take three days … (read more)