Edward E. Morris, age 79, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021.  He was greatly loved and admired by his wife of 58 years, Jayne Rivers Morris, and their three daughters, who were by his side as he passed into God's hands.

This year, 2021, marked his 58-year milestone of an illustrious career for a well-known and highly respected Georgia banker.  He was born in Pearson, Georgia on June 30, 1941, the youngest of four sons of Dan and Mary Morris.  After graduating from Atkinson County High School, he attended South Georgia College in Douglas, Georgia, and continued onto Georgia Southern University to complete his BBA degree in Business Administration. His banking career began in Statesboro, Georgia then to Douglas, Georgia.  He furthered his banking education with a graduate degree from the LSU Banking School of the South. After 17 years, he made his final banking move to Laurens County, beginning in Cadwell, Georgia, and advanced Farmers State Bank into Dublin, Georgia.

Titles never meant much to him but being a community supporter and business contributor to Laurens County was most important. He was active in numerous community and professional organizations, both in Coffee and Laurens County, which included the Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Leadership Georgia. He will always be remembered as President of Farmers State Bank.  He now departs banking as CEO of Farmers State Bank, Officer & Director Farmers Bancshares, Inc., and Director Security State Bank, McRae, Georgia.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother O'Brien Morris. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jayne R Morris; his three daughters, Mandy Bunting (Bryce), Kathie Pitts and Paula Hammock (Jimmy); three grandsons, Josh Bunting (Emily), Dakota Pitts and Brad Hammock and two brothers, D.B. Morris (Mary) and Pat Morris (Lillie) along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home from 10-11:30 am with a service in the chapel starting at 12 pm. Dr. Joel Dent will be officiating. A private family graveside burial will follow with Father Jude Shayo officiating.

Pallbearers will be Josh Bunting, Brad Hammock, Dakota Pitts, Craig Morris, Daniel Morris, Joseph Morris, Thomas Morris, and Erich Johnson.  Honorary pallbearers will be Brett Bowden, Jim Brantley, Travis Patisaul, Hunter Bennett, Linc Jones, Ben Knight, and Will Jarrard.

Townsend Brothers Funeral Home and Staff respectfully ask all in attendance to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines