Paul Irvin Morris

When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrow like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

Paul Irvin Morris, 87, devoted husband of Eleanor Bumgardner Morris, passed on January 20, 2024. Paul was born the oldest of four children to Orville and Melda Hatfield Morris. Born on Blackberry Creek in Pike County, Kentucky, Paul attended Blackberry Grade School and graduated from Belfry High School. He continued his education at Pikeville College and Eastern Kentucky University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education Administration.

Paul served many students and families in his 37 years of service to education, both as a teacher and administrator. Paul would begin his career in Mount Washington of Bullitt County. He would later move to Pulaski County and serve the school communities of Hogue Elementary, Woodstock Elementary, Eubank Elementary and Junior High, Pulaski High School, and lastly as Director of Pupil Personnel for Pulaski County Schools. He believed in the value of an education for all students and took a vested interest in the daily details of each school. He would frequently fill in for school bus drivers and would always eat the school lunch with his students.

Paul declared his faith in Mount Washington, Kentucky and became a member of Mount Washington Baptist Church. Upon moving to Pulaski County he became a member of High Street Baptist Church, and later Pleasant View Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Somerset. In retired years, Paul enjoyed the fellowship and worship with his Sunday School Class and choir at First Baptist. He could be found early Sunday morning in the church kitchen making the coffee.

Along with his education and faith, Paul took great pride in his family. Meeting the love of his life at Eastern Kentucky University, he would marry Eleanor in Mount Washington, Kentucky and build a married life of 62 years. Paul and Eleanor would grow their family on a farm in the Mark Welbourne Community of Pulaski County, including their two children Paul Gregory (Melissa) Morris of Somerset and Veronica Morris (Joseph) Covington of Georgetown, Kentucky. However, his greatest joy may have been instilling the importance of faith, family, and education in his grandchildren. His grandchildren include Katisha Morris, Kyndal Morris, Jacob (Kellsie) Covington, Caleb Covington, Isaiah Covington, Jamie Martin (Jason), and one great-grandchild Noah.

Along with his immediate family, Paul especially enjoyed spending time with his siblings, William Morris, Marlene (Bentley) Adams, Polly (Joe) Breeze, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins at the Hatfield Family Reunion at Jenny Wiley State Park in Prestonsburg, where he obtained many horseshoe championship trophies. Paul also enjoyed spending time traveling and dining out with his friends, many of whom he met through church and Senior Friends. His favorite travels included a road trip of the western United States, and cruises to Hawaii and Alaska.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Melda Morris, brother William (Bill) Morris, and brother-in-law Joe Breeze.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 12:00 noon on January 24, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Somerset. Pastor Bill Fort, Brother David Pendley, and Pastor Ryan Coffey officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am. Burial in the Bobbitt Cemetery on Bobbitt Cemetery Road off of Highway 461 of Pulaski County, Kentucky.

Pallbearers will include his grandchildren, Katisha Morris, Kyndal Morris, Jacob Covington, Caleb Covington, Isaiah Covington, and son-in-law Joseph Covington. Honorary pallbearers are brother-in-law Bentley Adams and First Baptist Sunday School Teacher, John Wilson.

Pulaski Funeral Home will be handling all funeral arrangements.