Nat Dean Morrell

NAT DEAN MORRELL, age 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 13, 2017 at his home. Nat had a full and wonderful life over which he had many interests, including gardening, sports, fishing, music and singing. Nat was a member of Valley Grove Baptist Church in his later years and a long-time member of Beaumont Avenue Baptist Church, where he was instrumental in founding the annual Rule High School reunion which occurs in November of each year. A major cornerstone of his life was his membership in Cherokee and Choto Masonic Lodges, and the Scottish Rite. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. Nat was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Eleanor Morrell; his beloved wife of 60 years, Louise Morrell; his sisters, Ina Mae Williams, Georgia Moore and his brothers, Fred Morrell and Carl Morrell. He is survived by his sons, Don Morrell and Steve Morrell (Renee); grandsons, Scott Morrell (Stephanie) and Daniel Morrell; granddaughter, Christie Sharpe; sister, Barbara Roe and sisters-in-law, Velma Church and Diane Morrell. He leaves great-grandchildren, John Sharpe, Kody and Autumn Morrell and Olivia Morrell. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. Nat was originally from Elizabethton, Tennessee and felt the call of duty to serve his country during World War II, when he joined the Navy at age 17, serving primarily as a tail-gunner on a Martin PBM Mariner (seaplane). He married Margaret Louise Boyd while still in the service and after the war briefly became a barber in his home town. Nat moved his young family in the early 1950’s to Knoxville and began his career in Oak Ridge, working primarily at Oak Ridge National Laboratory until his retirement. The family will receive friends in Weaver’s chapel Thursday from 5-7 pm with service to follow at 7:00 pm. Tony Maples officiating. Masonic services will be conducted by Kaivon Kiumarsi of Choto Lodge and David Cooper of Cherokee Lodge. Family and friends will meet Friday at Highland Memorial Cemetery at 12:45 pm for a 1:00 pm interment and a brief military ceremony. The family wishes to thank all the nurses and staff of Professional Case Management for providing loving and professional in home care for Nat over the past 14 months. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Valley Grove Baptist Church, 7419 Ball Camp Pike, Knoxville, TN 37931. Condolences are welcome at www.weaverfuneralservices.com Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home.