Gene Morris

View his Video Tribute: http://videos.lifetributes.com/235131Smithville – Otho Gene Morris, 61, died on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center, Amory. Born on September 9, 1949, in Parkin, AR, he was a son of the late Otho and Jewel Mae Pickering Morris.Gene attended school at Saltillo and was a graduate of Smithville High School, Class of 1968. Before retiring as the Assistant Store Manager with O’Reilly Auto Parts, he had worked for NAPA and Carquest. Gene was a member of Smithville United Methodist Church. Independent, outgoing and loving, Gene enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, listening to the Oldies, playing with his grandchildren, and reminiscing about the past with his close friends. In his earlier years, he enjoyed racing cars. Gene was gifted with the ability to restore old vehicles, possessing a vast knowledge of all vehicles that enabled him to repair and restore them.He is survived by a daughter, Michele Morris Wardlaw (John), Smithville; sons, Michael Gene Morris (Amanda), Smithville, Anthony Morris, Becker, and Wade Morris (Jennifer), Smithville; sister, Judy Morris, Brandon; brother, Tony Morris, Sulligent, AL; grandchildren, Jesse Odom, Haley Bowen, Bethany Morris, Josh Morris, Austin Morris, John Cox, Cameron Wardlaw, Jordan Wardlaw, Kinsley Wardlaw, Korrie-Mae Morris, Reid Morris, Kallie-Rae Morris, Brayden Morris, Addison Morris, and Molly Morris; and niece and nephews, Trinity Morris, Joseph Morris, and Greg Gunnels.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM, Monday, July 25, 2011, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Jamie Stark officiating. Burial will follow in Pearce Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike New, Chris Mann, Charlie Holloway, Paul Upton, Danny Steverson, and Johnnie Morris. Honorary pallbearers will be Trinity Morris, Chris Bennett, and Jason Shook.Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Sunday at the funeral home.Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.