Paul Dwyane Morris

Paul Dwyane Morris, 88, Shelbyville, died peacefully Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at his home following a long illness. A native of Pence, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Howard and Daisy Allen Morris. He graduated from Berea College with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Following college, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served two years of active duty and four years in the Reserves. He was a county extension agent for the University of Kentucky and was based in Letcher County the majority of his career. In his leisure time, he enjoyed bluegrass gospel and country music. He spent a lifetime celebrating his faith and his love of the mountains with music. Born into a musical family, his parents sang acapella at every church or public function possible. Paul played banjo, harmonica, mandolin and guitar and was known to "pick up a storm" when called to play. He had a 40-year career radio music show with his "Thirty Minutes of Yesterday's Country" broadcast from Whitesburg KY on WSGS-FM 101.1 in Hazard. According to "Bluegrass Music Magazine", it was the longest running Bluegrass music show in history. He was a well-known DJ, but his career didn't end there. After retiring and moving to Amber Oaks Assisted Living in Shelbyville, he started "Hymns From the Hills", which aired on Sunday mornings in Hazard and Sunday evenings on WXLN Radio 93.3 FM in Shelbyville. He was still recording and broadcasting at the time of his passing. He was a member of Emmanual Baptist Church and had been attending First Baptist Church in New Castle.
In addition to his parents, his first wife of 59 years, Ethel Mae Powell Morris, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, best friend and partner, Carolyn Sue Bailey Madden-Morris of Shelbyville; his daughter, MaryAnn Gramig (Keith) of Shelbyville; his son, Adam Lee Morris (Kimberly) of Shelbyville; one sister, Juanita Stamper of Beattyville; one brother, Kenneth Morris (Raelee) of Beattyville; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Katherine, Brian, John Paul, Annemarie, Abraham and Adam Clay; seven great-grandchildren, Ashlynn, Emma, Clara, Adeline, Lauren, Chase and Isabella Grace Mae and a host of other relatives and fans of his music.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has been selected. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Webb Funeral Home with visitation after 5 p.m. Rev. Kevin Kimes will officiate, and the service will conclude with military honors. A memorial service will also be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024 at Newnam Funeral Home in Beattyville with visitation after 12 noon, where Rev. Kevin Kimes will also officiate. The cremated remains will be privately interred at Little Stamper Cemetery in Beattyville.
Paul was a gentle soul, and he brought joy into the homes of his many devoted fans for years with his radio broadcasts. While his physical presence has departed, he will live on in the music he created and through the hearts of those who loved him.
Flowers are welcome, and expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Webb Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.webbfuneralhome.com.