Claude Lewis “Whimpy-Poncho” Morrell, 71, of Elizabethton, passed away Friday, July 13, 2018, at his residence.
A native of Bluff City, he was a son of the late Walter and Ada Nelson Morrell.
Whimpy had lived most of his life in Elizabethton and was a graduate of Elizabethton High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era. He retired after 36 years of service as a cuber operator at General Shale. He was a member of the American Legion and was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Patricia Whaley Morrell; a daughter and son-in-law, Crystal and Terry Lawson, Elizabethton; a granddaughter, Kaitlin Campbell and fiancé Brandon Banks; his sisters, Mona Turner, Jonesborough, Mable Maney, Cherokee, N.C., Fairy Crumley, Bluff City, Nell Reed, Elizabethton, and Rosa Forester and husband Darrell of Kentucky; a brother, Paul Morrell, Hampton; a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gloria Hall and Johnny Whaley of Elizabethton; several nieces and nephews including special nieces and nephews, Bobby Blevins, Keelan Hall, Chris Hall and Amy Hall; and also his special beloved animals.
Funeral services for Claude Lewis “Whimpy-Poncho” Morrell will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. David Nelson, the Rev. Chris Hughes and Doris Offield officiating. Private graveside services will be conducted at Morning View Cemetery, Bluff City, at a later date. Military Honors will be provided by the Carter County Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present employees of General Shale Corporation, especially Donnie Blevins and Sandy Bradley. The family would like to express a special “Thank You” to the staff at the James H. Quillen VA Medical for the excellent care he received and to the staff of Amedisys Hospice, especially Randall, Jerry and Chris. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Morrell family.