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Jerry Richard Morrison, 89

Posted on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 11:37 am

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Jerry Richard Morrison, 89, of Whitwell, passed away Tuesday, January 21, in a Chattanooga hospital. He was born September 18, 1935, to the late James Richard (Rich) and Vira Inez Morrison. Jerry attended Green’s Chapel Church.

Jerry graduated from Whitwell High School in 1955. He was captain of the football team and a member of several clubs. He attended Chattanooga State and became a certified tax preparer and bookkeeper. He owned and operated his own tax business. Jerry was voted The People’s Choice in “The Best in the Sequatchie Valley” for the Best Accountant and The Best Tax Preparer. He was a member of the Ruritan Club and a Mason. He was a member of the Olive Branch 297 F&AM for 65 years.

Jerry became the first Mayor of Powells Crossroads in 1976. Jerry (also known as Mayor) worked with other locals to incorporate the town and get grants for the police and fire department as well as the Crossroads ballpark. His administration worked to get several new businesses started in the town. While he served as Mayor he also worked at Central Soya, Pepperidge Farm, Bank of America, and owned H&R Block tax service. He also worked in the coal mines where he was in a mining accident. After selling his tax business, Jerry worked at Marion County Waste Service on Suck Creek Mountain.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Haxel “Midge” Morrison; sister, Connie Fae Morrison; brother, Jimmy C. Morrison.

Those left to cherish his memories are his sons, Greg (Gail) Morrison, of Whitwell, Roger (Debbie) Morrison, of Harrison; daughters, Karen (Ron) Rogers, of Soddy Daisy, Sherri (Jeff) Thomas, of Whitwell; brothers, Johnny (Bobbie) Morrison, Ernest “PeeWee” (Pam) Morrison; grandchildren, Adam (Sarah) Morrison, Wyatt Morrison, Mary Kathrine, Dalton Morrison, Chelsea (Michael) Hixson, Caitlin (Josh) Hale, Ciera (Cody) Wampler, Ryan (Alaina) Thomas, Shea (Kevin) Layne, Zach (Lacey) Thomas, Alycia Johnson, Shannon Rollings, William Graham, Shawna Graham; great grandchildren, Audrey and Ryder Morrison, Ella and Hollis Hixson, Harper and Henley Hale, Blaire and Quinn Wampler, Ozzy Thomas, Eleanor and Tatum Layne, and Lofton Richard Layne; girlfriend, Pat Shadrick.

We would like to thank Marcie and Jeff Cartwright and Bill Reba McEntire for being great neighbors.

Jerry loved Powells Crossroads and if you would like to honor him, please make a donation to the Crossroads ballpark at the following address: Town of Powells Crossroads Attn: Missy Richards Layne, 105 Hwy 27, Powells Crossroads, TN. 37397.

Pallbearers are Adam, Wyatt, and Dalton Morrison, Ryan and Zach Thomas, Kevin Layne, Michael Hixson, Josh Hale, and Cody Wampler.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 25, at 1 p.m. in the Chapel with Rev. Robert Johnson and Rev. Cecil Baxter officiating. Burial will be at Red Hill Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 24, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, January 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Arrangements are by Reed Funeral Home, 11675 Highway 28, Whitwell, TN.

The Marion Tribune – January 30, 2025