Ellie Terrell Morris

Ellie Morris of Pearson, Ga passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family, on October 16, 2024. He was 97 years old. 

Ellie was the youngest of 11 children, of which there were nine boys and two girls. He was born and raised south of Axon, Ga, in a community known as Fiddler’s Green. He often shared his memories of growing up in that rough and tumble world of small farms and turpentine woods. His ability to recall those days with wit and wisdom was a joy to all. He was a famous storyteller. 

Shortly after his eighteenth birthday, he enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training, in Camp Blanding, Fla, he was shipped out with his Division to Okinawa. From there, he was staged on a troop ship waiting for the planned invasion of Japan. After the two atomic bombs ended the War, he was among the first Americans to enter Nagasaki. 

After his discharge from the Army, he returned to Atkinson County, where he lived for the rest of his life and never wanted to be away from for longer than absolutely necessary. Not long after returning home, he ran into a girl that he knew from playing basketball for Pearson Highschool. They began dating and were soon married. Sue Peterson was love of his life and they spent the next seventy-four years by each other’s side. They had two children, Deborah and Terry. 

Over the course of his long life, Ellie was a pillar of his community. He was a famer, a business owner, and a politician. He was mayor of Pearson for many years, leading the city through good times and bad, but always with a thoughtfulness and kindness that left a mark on all those he served. 

He always said that he never made much of a farmer but he never lost his connection with land of south Georgia. He would be known to pick up, at any time, with a few good friends to go fishing. Many fall days were filled with walking fencerows, quail hunting with his bird dogs. Until late in life, even after the birds were gone, there were few things he enjoyed more than walking in the woods and down by the river. 

What people will remember most about Ellie Morris, apart from his ability to tell a story, was his selfless optimism. He was always willing to take a chance on those who needed it most. People were more important to Ellie Morris than anything else and, as result, he leaves countless friends and family who will miss him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his wife Sue Peterson Morris (Mamma Sue), his parents Elizabeth and Edward Morris and his ten siblings. 

He is survived by Deborah (daughter) and Fred Muth of Atlantic Beach, Florida and Terry (son) and Linda Morris of Kirkland, Ga; two sisters-in-law Betty Chaplin of Neeses, SC and Jean Peterson of Kirkland, Ga.; Michael (grandson) and Morgan Roberts, Amy Morris (granddaughter) and Jason Moree, Brandon (grandson) and Amber Morris and Amanda Morris (granddaughter); twelve great-grandchildren; Jessie Paulk, his beloved caretaker. 

In lieu of flowers memorials are encouraged to be made to Sweetwater Cemetery fund. Send memorials to (1182 Hwy 64 E Pearson, Ga. 31642)

Funeral services for Mr. Morris will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Goodwill Assembly of God in Pearson, Ga. at 11:00 A.M. with Mr. D.Q. Pittman and Michael Roberts officiating. The interment will follow in Sweetwater Cemetery. 

Visitation for Mr. Morris will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.

Mr. Morris will lie in state at the Assembly of God on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. until the funeral hour.

Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. is in charge of the arrangements.