Darrell Morrell was born in Atlanta to Woodrow Wilson Morrell and Hazel Geneva Morrell. Darrell was a joyful, kind, and funny soul. He and his family regularly laughed until they cried, and he could make even the most mundane things fun. He grew up in Decatur, GA, and loved spending his time playing sports and laughing with his two older brothers, Terry and Don. He maintained a close relationship with both of his brothers until his passing.
Darrell married his wife of 26 years, Angie in 1977 in the living room of his brother’s house. Darrell and Angie were partners in parenting and life. They truly enjoyed each other’s company and loved the family they built together. Darrell lovingly supported Angie as she battled cancer, caring for her until the day she died.
As a father, Darrell Morrell was genuinely the best dad in the world. He was the proud father of two daughters and one “honorary” daughter. He embraced his girl dad role with relish, giving the sage life advice that “boys are bad” until you “get a degree and get a job.” To his credit, all three girls do have degrees and jobs. Darrell regularly organized games for the neighborhood kids and wrote scavenger hunt clues for his girls to find their Christmas presents. He coached Kati’s softball teams and proudly saved all of Christie’s high school newspaper articles. As his girls grew older, he spent time traveling with them and their families to the mountains and the beach.
Darrell began working at Southeastern Freight Lines in 1976 as a freight handler and progressed to Service Center Manager, which brought him and his family to Columbus, GA. Darrell was a magnetic leader who built a “work family” everywhere he went. His family was convinced he would work until he died, but his diagnosis of Early Onset Dementia forced him to retire from his beloved company after 42 years.
When Darrell was diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia, he said “We don’t get to pick what happens to us, but we get to pick how we react to it.” Dementia didn’t change Darrell’s kind spirit. He was truly joyful and lived in the moment. He danced like no one was watching, sang along with his favorite songs, and even convinced his caretakers that he could play the guitar (his family is unaware of any musical talents). Darrell was blessed to be surrounded by wonderful caretakers and built a special friendship with his caretaker Nikita Perkins. We are forever grateful for Nikita’s love and care for Darrell.
Darrell went to be with his Savior on December 16, 2023. The world has lost a beautiful soul, who looked for the joy in the ordinary, and for the funny in every situation. Darrell is survived by daughters Christie (Scott) Akers and Kati Morrell; brothers Terry Morrell and Don (Cathy) Morrell; niece Toni (Jonathan, Tristen, Sadie) Hill; honorary daughter Jessica Whitmer; granddaughters Grady Whitmer and Samara Shores; dear friend Carol Tarnowski; and many friends and coworkers. He is preceded in death by his parents Woody and Hazel Morrell; his wife Angie Morrell; and his in-laws Corky and Betty Phillips.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to PAWS Humane Society of Columbus, GA, or buy a Christmas present for a child in need. Darrell truly loved Christmas, and we can’t think of a better way to honor his joyful spirit.
