Nolan Morris

Nolan “Red” Morris passed away on November 11, 2023 in Mountain City, TN. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Throughout his life, Red chased speed and adventure. He built and flew his own airplane, souped-up and raced cars and motorcycles, and toured by RV during retirement.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Nancy; daughters Terri, Chris, Kelly, and Holly; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his mother Ivy Meadows, his stepfather Rex Meadows, his beloved aunt Sylvia Allen, as well as his father Russell Morris.

Born on May 27, 1935 in Greene County, VA Red grew up tinkering and improving anything he could get his hands on. He graduated from William Monroe High School in 1953 and worked in restaurants, then as a car salesman, before owning and operating a vending machine business.

Red raced on the dragstrip, street, as well as off road and quite often came away the victor. He held a pilot license and built a Long EZ homebuilt airplane that he loved to take friends and family up in. He also constructed a Shelby Cobra 454 replica. In retirement, he always had a motorcycle, ATV, or fast car to enjoy. Red served as the first ATV ambassador for Doe Mountain Recreation Area.

In addition to his pursuit of speed, Red was an avid comics reader and enjoyed Pickles and For Better or Worse in particular. He also had a keen interest in the science of black holes and devoted hours to studying the subject. Some of his favorite memories were of touring the U.S. and Canada by RV with Nancy and the summer family reunions that brought all of his kids, grandkids, and great grandchildren together.

A celebration of life is being planned for his birthday, Memorial Day of 2024.

The family of Nolan “Red” Morris has entrusted his care to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683.