POWDERLY – Bennie Ray Morris, 72, of Powderly died Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville. Born November 21, 1948 in Central City, he worked at Kentucky Utilities and attended Green River Chapel Church. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Wanda Mae Morris; father-in-law Ray Bilderback and mother-in-law Peggy Bilderback.
On Tuesday, August 17, 2021 the world lost not just a great man, but one of the best men many of us have ever known. He was a Husband, a Father, a Friend, a Child of God, and of course, one of his favorite titles “Pappaw!” He married the love of his life Nancy Bilderback in 1968. As they started to build their new life together, things were abruptly put on hold. Bennie had been called to serve in the U.S. Army during the war in Vietnam. He was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for Basic Training and to learn his MOS as a truck driver. Late in 1969 he arrived in Vietnam where he would drive his truck the “Deuces Wild” for the next year and a half. Once his deployment ended, he was sent to Fort Hood, Texas to finish out the remainder of his contract with the Army. Bennie’s work ethic, knowledge, and leadership skills carried over with him to his next job. He spent 27 years working for Kentucky Utilities where he would retire as a Maintenance Supervisor in 2000. He picked back up maintenance work in 2008 when he started a new job at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. He went on to work there for 10 years, before he retired again in 2018.
A devoted family man, Bennie and Nancy welcomed their first child Bennie Ray, Jr. into the world January 21, 1972. Six years later on November 24th they added on again, this time with their daughter Tinea Faye. Nineteen years later, just when they thought they were done raising children. Bennie and Nancy opened up their home, and their hearts once again to their next son Robert Grimm in October of 1997. Nancy and Bennie adored their 4 grandchildren Brayden, Bryson, Harper, and Hayden.
His love for children didn’t end with just his own. Bennie and Nancy would go on to babysit several children over the years. He treated and loved each and every one of them as if they were his own grandchildren. He will be forever remembered by family and lifelong friends as generous with a perpetual smile on his face. Always ready with a hug, a good story or a helping hand for anyone in need.
Survivors include his wife Nancy Bilderback Morris; sons Bennie Ray (Melissa) Morris, Jr., and Robert (Danielle) Grimm; daughter Tinea (Allen) Dean; grandchildren Brayden Morris, Bryson Morris, Harper Grimm and Hayden Grimm; sisters Sue (Rodney) Ogelsby and Teresa Rolley.
Funeral services were held Friday, August 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Larry Shadowen officiating. Burial will follow in Cessna Cemetery in Powderly. Online condolences can be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com
