Preston Edward "Ed" Morris

Tellico Village Loudon - Preston Edward "Ed" Morris was born December 31,1937 in Greeneville, South Carolina. At an early age his family relocated to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where his father worked at K-25 in service of the Manhattan Project. Ed graduated from Fulton High School in Knoxville, where he was an outstanding track and field athlete and, along with his siblings, a gifted singer. He joined the United States Army immediately after high school and served in the United States Army Reserves. On August 14, 1959, Ed married his high school sweetheart, Judy McDade, with whom he would spend the next 64 years.

Ed attended the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in Memphis. After graduation he became a partner in a local pharmacy in Maryville. During this time, Ed and Judy welcomed their two sons, Preston,Jr. (Bo) and Bradley. Soon after, Ed made the decision to join Eli Lilly & Co. as a pharmaceutical salesman. In this career, Ed found his true calling, combining his love of people and his love of medicine in a decorated 25-year career that saw him rise to the rank of District Sales Manager for territories in Texas and Louisiana. Ed's proudest professional achievement was the opportunity to hire, promote, and mentor the company's next generation of sales leaders, many of whom speak fondly of him today. Throughout his career and into retirement Ed's focus was always on his family and church community. Ed was a devoted father to Bo and Brad, always involved in their activities, supportive of their endeavors, and proud of their achievements. Additionally, he was an adoring and actively involved grandfather to Conner and Courtney.

Perhaps most of all, Ed was a man of faith. As a member of First Baptist Church of Covington, Louisiana for 32 years he served as the Chairman of Deacons, as well as many other positions. His greatest impact may have been through the Bible study class he taught for decades. Ed spent his later years as a member of Community Church at Tellico Village, where he volunteered as a Stephen Minister. Throughout his life, singing in the church choir was a source of great joy and entertainment.

With his passing on July 1, 2023, Ed leaves behind a mountainous legacy in the eyes of his family, friends, and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard Morris and Bonnie Miller Morris, siblings Jamie Morris Thompson, John Morris, Doug Morris, Carole Morris, and Olin Morris. He is survived by his wife Judy, his sons Bo and Brad, their wives Deb and

Debbie, his grandchildren Conner and Courtney, and his sister Violet Morris Pleasant.

Ed was a loving, generous, and kind man who can't be properly captured by words on a page. He will be missed by us, and by all the people whose lives he touched in his extraordinary 85 years.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at The Community Church at Tellico Village, 130 Chota Center, Loudon, TN on August 10, 2023 at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department in gratitude for their First Responder Team.

Click Funeral Home & Cremations - Tellico Village Chapel is serving the family of Ed Morris. www.clickfuneralhome.com