Morris Penland, 64, of Mountain City, Georgia entered into eternal rest on January 5, 2024 after courageously battling cancer. 

Waiting to greet Morris with open arms was his father, Hoyt R. Penland, his nephew, Hoyt M. Penland, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. They, no doubt, had a long awaited reunion with hugs, smiles, and laughter. 

Morris is survived by his mother, Laura Hunnicutt Penland, of Mountain City; brother, and sister-in-law, Mike and Wanda Penland, of Rabun Gap; niece, Sarah Penland, of Alpharetta, and niece, and her family, Chrissy and Chris Owenby, Emily and Jada Grace, of Alto; his beloved dogs, Pearl, Ada, Zeb and Myrtice. He is also survived by his uncles, Ed Hunnicutt, and Buster Hunnicutt, along with numerous cousins. 

Morris had a gregarious heart that, along with his charismatic personality, made him a natural people person. Morris loved to laugh and could make a friend no matter where he was.

Morris dutifully served his country through his service in the United States Army from 1976 - 1978. He also served his community as a Rabun County Sheriff’s Deputy. Morris also spent several years as Larry McClure’s personal driver all over the United States. Larry affectionately referred to Morris as “Partner.” Morris remained deeply loyal to Mr. McClure and his family. Morris also owned a limousine service and enjoyed driving RGNS students to, and from, the airport as well as chauffeuring people to fun events. 

Morris also enjoyed the opportunities he had to travel with his brother, Mike, to ATV, and UTV, races throughout the United States and Baja. He thrived in being a pseudo agent for Mike and helping plan solid pit crew strategies. With his people skills, Morris made many friends, and racing connections, that he valued. 

Morris had a heart that was bigger than life. Through his “junking” adventures, he loved to find the perfect item to give someone. He got to know people, what they like and what would bring a smile to their face. He loved nothing more than being able to say, “look what I found!” He had a keen ability to see the value of something that others toss aside as junk. 

When his nieces, and nephew, were children, he was the uncle that bought the Reeboks, skateboards, and karaoke machines! He was the uncle that picked them up from school in Larry McClure’s Prevost and let them play in it as if it were a rolling dollhouse. He definitely understood the assignment of being the “Funcle” to his nieces and nephew. 

In keeping with Morris’ wishes, there will not be a funeral. However, if you would like to share your condolences with the family, there will be a graveside service, with military honors, on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Hunnicutt Family Cemetery (272 Holbrook Lane, Mountain City, GA 30562). There is limited parking, so please car pool. After the service the family will gather at 1003 Yorkhouse Road, Rabun Gap, GA after the service. Family, and friends, are welcome to visit.  

One of Morris’ final wishes was that each of friends, and family, donate to St. Jude’s Children Hospital in his memory. He shared, “if each person just shared $5, think about how much it would help those children.” Donations can be mailed to:

ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105