James Richard “Dick” Morris, Jr., age 73, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025. Originally from Greensburg, PA, Dick was born on October 1, 1951.
Dick was the beloved son of the late James Richard Morris, Sr. and Eleanor Rose (Miller) Morris. Dick pursued his calling in ministry by attending Johnson Bible College, where he graduated in 1979 with a major in Preaching. He furthered his theological education at Milligan College and Emmanuel School of Religion. His dedication to faith and community led him to serve in various ministerial roles: Youth Pastor at First Christian Church of Johnson City, Associate Minister at Boones Creek Christian Church in Johnson City, and Seniors Minister at Poplar Ridge Christian Church in Piney Flats.
Beyond his ministry, Dick was a well-known voice in the Tri-Cities area. He worked as a radio personality at WQUT and served as Creative Director at Citadel Broadcasting. His distinctive voice also led him to a successful career as a self-employed voice actor.
A gifted storyteller, Dick was known for his humor and creativity. He was an active member of the Jonesborough Storytelling Guild and Lead Storyteller with Back Porch Friends Improv Storytellers, delighting audiences with his engaging tales and charismatic presence.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Scott L. Morris. He is lovingly remembered by his niece, Karrie Morris; his niece, Jenny Riederer (Morris), and her husband Kyle Riederer; and his nephew, Christopher Morris, and his wife Carol (Scott) Morris"all of Knoxville. He also leaves behind his great-nephew, Silas Riederer, and his great-nieces, Audrey Riederer and Chloe Morris.
Dick will be remembered for his humor, creativity, and robust radio voice. More than anything, he will be remembered for his service to the Kingdom, the many lives he touched, and his deep love for his family.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, at Poplar Ridge Christian Church (206 Poplar Ridge Church Rd, Piney Flats, TN 37686). Receiving of Friends will take place from 10 AM - 12:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Live service beginning at 12:00 PM. Burial will take place privately with family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Johnson University in his honor.
Condolences may be sent to the Morris family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
05/03/2025
Teresa (TEE) Owens
Dick will be So missed . Not only from all his ministries but such a huge , loving, caring, smiling personality. I am blessed for knowing Dick. Sorry for your loss.
Oh how I will miss you Dick! Your friendship, wisdom, wit and your devotion to God's word made my life richer. I look forward to sharing our stories again and I rejoice that you are with Jesus who welcomed his good and faithful servant.
Simply the best. I stayed in touch with Dick through the years. Our last conversation was a couple of months ago. He will be missed by many.
Dick was such a wonderful friend . I have so many great memories with him . You are going to be missed my friend.
04/26/2025
Vicki Wells Davis
Dick had a great personality. He used humor to encourage others. Proverbs 17:22 tells us the importance of laughter.
Dick: We only met a couple of times but that was enough to leave a strong impression of what a good man you were. My late sister, Laurie thought the world of you and we never had a conversation but what she would mention her friend Dick. Rest in peace.
04/23/2025
Heather Smithson
Dick “Dickie Mo Mo” as my 7 year old granddaughter Addiline had so adoringly decided to call him after they bonded in the church library one Sunday morning. Dick’s sugar was going haywire and he was there to do communion meditation, I didn’t feel comfortable leaving him alone with his sugar the way it was, so we just hung out with him in the library and watched the whole service on facebook. Addiline sat beside of him, telling him stories about school and her friends and whatever else is happening in the world of a 7 year old girl. He listened intently as if she was the only person in the entire world. It’s like he just instinctively knew what her heart and soul desired. I never got to thank him for that. Moriah met him during VBS and she instantly felt a connection with him, Dick had a way with people that I have never seen before, he could be around a 2 year old child, a 22 year old person or a person who is 102 and he could carry on a conversation with them and connect with them to the point that they will never be the same and they will always love Dick and consider his a mentor and friend. To me that truly is God given because not everyone has an opportunity or gift so profound. He will be missed. PPRCC will never be the same. But I promise Dick Morris will definitely not be forgotten. RIP Dickie Mo Mo!!
To know Dick Morris was to love him! Always smiling and encouraging others. He was a true servant and I learned a lot from his lessons and sermons. Oh, how he will be missed!
A valued ministry colleague of nearly 50 years and equally valued friend. Peace is yours, Dick.
