Blaine Morrison

Blaine Morrison, 57, of the Greenfield community near Harrisburg, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020, at his home of natural causes.

Blaine was born March 24, 1963 to Wilburn and Joyce Ann Morrison. The mold was broken when he was born. His younger daughter, Cassie, was born on his birthday in 1992.

As a child, he lived in Rockford, Illinois before the family moved back home near Bay, where they owned and operated Morrison’s Antiques. He was a 1981 graduate of Bay High School.

He lived in the Jonesboro area most of his life and worked as a diesel mechanic for MDR Cartage for many years. Mr. Bob Riley, a former MDR owner, once said that Blaine was the best mechanical troubleshooter that he had ever seen.

Blaine was an accomplished mechanic, general repairman, and an extraordinary jack-of-all-trades, holding many professional certifications. As a shade tree mechanic, if it needed fixing - automobiles, motorcycles, small engines, appliances, or electronics - Blaine was your man. In addition, he was skilled in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing, as well as automotive and autobody restoration and refinishing.

He won countless trophies racing at George Ray’s, Crowley’s Ridge, and Poinsett County Raceways.

Blaine was a proud honor graduate of the Craighead County Drug Court, and he always said, “Drug Court changed my life and made me a better person.”

For his Drug Court community service project, Blaine volunteered at the Literacy League of Craighead County, where he taught people to read and write. Additionally, he frequently repaired the Literacy League’s computers, as well as the heating and air system, as part of his volunteer service. The Literacy League recognized him with an award for his outstanding contributions.

Without fail, Blaine was always unapologetically himself and a rebel without a cause. He had a “man on the run” mentality. Truly, one of a kind.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Ann Morrison, the “boss” of the family, on June 26, 2016; his grandparents: Oscar Morrison; Robert and Charlene Morrison Blalock; and Wendell and Virginia Meredith; as well as an infant granddaughter.

Survivors include his father, Wilburn Morrison; his companion and partner of more than 15 years, Tangelia Runyon; a son, Zach Morrison of Jonesboro; two daughters and a son in law: Cassie Morrison of Harrisburg and Nicole and Quinton Jefferson of Jonesboro; a brother, Derrick Morrison of Jonesboro; a sister, Debbie Hinz of Arlington, VA; aunt and uncle, Paula and Ed Martin of Bay; and four granddaughters: Serenity, Kyleigh, Mia, and Zeny.

A memorial service will be held Monday, May 11 at 2 pm outside of Emerson Memorial Chapel. Zach Morrison will deliver the eulogy and remarks. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Honorary pallbearers are Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington, retired Circuit Judge David Laser, who presided over Craighead County Drug Court, and Deputy Sheriff David Bailey — three individuals whom he regarded as good and fair men, and that he held the utmost respect for.

Lasting memorials may be made to the Crowley’s Ridge Development Council (CRDC) for the benefit of local Drug Court programs and rehabilitation for individuals struggling with addiction. The mailing address is P.O. Box 16720, Jonesboro, AR 72403.

“From dust you came, and to dust you shall return.”