Amos Hayes Morris, Sr., 92, of Kynesville, Florida passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family.
He was born to Grover and Lessie Mae Pitts Morris on July 9, 1931, in Alford, Florida. Amos was married to Mary Aline Tatum for over 66 years, until her death on October 27, 2023. He was co-owner of Morris Timber Company. Amos proudly served in the United States Army and traveled to Austria, Germany, Italy, Trieste Free Territory, Athens, Africa, Istanbul, Pompeii, and Naples.
Amos was in the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary for 31 years. He was chairman of the Wildlife Alert for 22 years of his of 27 years of service, as well as member of the B.P.O.E. (Elks Lodge), The Jackson County Conservation Club. He was a longtime member of Ducks Unlimited, The National Wild Turkey Federation Organization, Fish & Wildlife Commission and was the “Sportsman of the Year” in September 0f 1989. He was a Jackson County Commissioner for District Two, appointed by Governor Graham to fill a vacancy left when Norwood Jackson passed away in 1980.
He was a member of the Board of Directors for West Florida Electric and a member of the American Legion Post 302 from 1960 until his passing. He was an original, faithful crew-volunteer member who cooked for Farm City Day, usually Brunswick Stew or Low Country Boil in a 100 gallon syrup kettle.
Amos cooked for many political events from the 60’s to 2016. Including boiled peanuts, corn on the cob, hot dogs, BBQs, and fried fish. He was best known for his smoked steaks which he and his family catered for many events. The fundraiser for the Cottondale High School Band trip to Mexico being his favorite.
Amos was the last man of the family that went to South Port on horses and covered wagon to get oysters in 1941. (Morris and Bush (John Thomas) Family trip.) You could always find Amos helping Aline in the garden , on the tractor, or at the grapevines, or at the pond feeding the fish.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Aline Morris; his parents, Grover and Lessie Mae Morris; his grandfather, Miles G. Morris, grandmother, Anna Liza “Cuba” Kent Morris; five siblings: Doris Donnel, Raymond Morris, Howard Morris, Beamon Purvis, Edward Morris.
Amos is survived by three children: Rita C. Montgomery (Howell) Amos Hayes Morris, Jr. (Diane), and Rebecca L Morris-Haid (George); four grandchildren: Mitchell Toole (Janice), Ryan Lindsey, Jessica Aline Haid, and Robert Amos Haid (Amanda); he is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Dylan Toole, Andrew Toole, Paisley Lindsey and Blaklyn Lindsey; siblings, Louise Howe, Leola Brannon (Charles); one brother-in-law, Jodie Tatum (Sarah), one sister-in-law, Kathryn Tatum and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Jackson County Agriculture Center.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Jackson County Agriculture Center (3631 Highway 90, Marianna, FL) with Rev. Joey Woodruff officiating. A private interment will follow with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Care. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to April with Covenant Care, as well as sitters, Veronica and Betty Sue, for the kindness shown to the Morris family in the passing of both Aline and Amos Morris.
