Kenneth Moreland

Kenneth A. Moreland passed away Friday, August 27, 2015 at Community Hospice at Darlington Oaks in Verona. He was born June 17, 1928 to Gabriel A and Maudie Bell Gilley Moreland. He was a lifetime resident of Prentiss County with the exception of two years serving his country in the US Army Corp of Engineers during the Korean Conflict. He never understood why anybody would live anywhere except Prentiss County.

He loved life, his family, his friends and neighbors, and in return, he was loved by them. Some even called him “Laughing Boy”, a name he earned because of his sunny disposition.

Before the age of 15, he began a long career behind the wheel of a truck. He began with a Marietta school bus route, and then graduated to moving and operating heavy equipment while in the US Army. He was co-owner and operator of the Marietta Gin (cotton) until 1972 when arthritis forced him to give that up. He served the Marietta community for 20 years as Alderman, City Clerk and Town Marshal. In 1995, after 16 years of service, he retired from the Prentiss County Council on Aging. Behind the wheel again, he drove a big van around the country serving the elderly. His smile, laughter, and jokester personality brightened their days. He’d pick on them and they looked forward to it as soon as they boarded his bus.

He loved hunting, camping, gardening and tending the numerous fruit and pecan trees he planted throughout the years. For as long as he was able, he maintained a fish pond on his property. He loved fishing and cooking fish for his family and friends.

He was a big kid at heart; therefore, he loved every minute spent with both of his children , all four of his grandchildren, and all six of his great grandchildren. He was a loving caregiver for his ailing parents until their death in 1979. He also cared for his brother, Clyde until is death in 2001 from liver cancer. In his most difficult role as caregiver, he lovingly cared for his son Andy in his home until he succumbed to cancer in 2008. His greatest service was to his youngest sister Leista, who died in 2012 after battling cancer and all the related complications, surgeries, and Hospitalizations, for years. He also assisted with the care of her husband, Billy Maddox. He has served as chauffeur and caregiver to many in the community in need throughout the years.

He was a member of Zion Rest Church of Christ. We, his family, would like to extend a very special thank you to everyone there and all of our friends and neighbors who have shown us so much love and care during his extended illness. Your kindness can never be repaid.