Howard Everett (Johnny) Morris

Howard Everett (Johnny) Morris October 21, 1959- June 15,2014 Howard Everett (Johnny) Morris, age 54, a lifelong resident of Jay, Florida went to be with the Lord on June 15, 2014 after a courageous 4 year battle with cancer. Johnny was born on October 21, 1959 to Howard Ezra and Hazel Simmons Morris. On June 16, 1978, Johnny married the love of his life, Shelia Kirkland. Together they have two sons: Howard Eric, (wife Jenny) and Brandon Keith, wife Ashley. Johnny was Papa to Hayden E. Andrew, Bryson Keith, Kailee Ann, Madison Elizabeth and Camden Michael. Johnny was preceded in death by his father, his father in law and mother in law, Edgar and Helen Paul. He leaves behind two sisters, Susan and husband Randy Hornsby, Kristie and husband Benjie West. Brother in law Johnny and wife Patsy Kirkland and Darrell and wife Felicia Paul; and many nieces and nephews. Johnny was employed with Cerex for over 30 years, until his illness caused him to retire earlier this year. Johnny was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved working outdoors and building things in his shop. Johnny loved his family, sons and grandchildren, all of his good ole buddies from the Cobb Branch Hunting Club and friends from work. He fought to live to see his grandbabies grow up and enjoy life but God had other plans for him. He is resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord with his daddy, mother, father in law and brother in law Teddy, all of whom he loved dearly. Funeral Services for Johnny will be held at 2:00 PM Friday June 20, 2014 at the Lewis Funeral Home Pace Chapel with Rev. LaDon Hall and Rev. Gene Hudson officiating. Burial will follow in the Cora Baptist Church Cemetery, with Lewis Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm, prior to services on Friday June 20, 2014 at the Lewis Funeral Home Pace Chapel. Active Pallbearers will be: Benjie West, Darrell Paul, Buck Broxson, Lynn Cobb, Kenny Goodson, James Morris, Eugene Hall, Lee Langham and Patrick Morrison. Honorary Pallbearers are Members of the Cobb Branch Hunting Club. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits . Published in Pensacola News Journal on June 19, 2014