Honoring a Life of Service
Integrity, honor, encourager, teacher, father, husband, and friend were among the many accolades used to describe former Hardeman County Commissioner Viscen Charles Morrow in a special ceremony honoring his life’s work.
Morrow has been an active member, board member, business owner, deacon, trustee, and public servant for over 30 years. At the time of his retirement from the County Commission in 2022, he was recognized as having the longest tenure ever of a Commissioner with over 30 years of service to the people of Hardeman County.
In recognizing Morrow’s achievements, the proclamation presented by Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse also noted that February 3, 2024, was “Charles Morrow Day” in the county. Pulse said he had been honored to have worked with Morrow both in the real estate business and later in serving the people of the county. “He has always been helpful and encouraging to me and he has always given me good, sound advice – whether or not I wanted to hear it at the time,” Pulse said. He continued by saying, “He truly exemplifies what it means to live a life of public service.”
A proclamation read by Representative Johnny Shaw from the Tennessee House of Representatives praised Morrow as a “gentleman and faithful public servant who has remained true to his personal mission statement to display pride, faithfulness, honesty, and integrity when working with the public.” Rep. Shaw noted that Morrow was “always ready to give good counsel and advice, listen to you, or pray for you. He has helped so many people in our county in big and small ways, and his life’s work is a legacy of a true servant’s heart in all that he does.”
Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic added that Morrow had always made himself available to others. “He has certainly helped me out in many ways in my life and was so encouraging when I first decided to run for public office. I thank not only Mr. Charles, but I thank his family because they have shared him with all of us over the years.” Morrow and his wife Linda will celebrate 50 years of marriage this year.
Several public officials from across the county who have served with Morrow in various capacities, as well as family and friends, also spoke about Morrow’s legacy, with Coach Fredell Harris noting, “We will see the products of the good he has done for many, many years.”
Morrow is a native of Hardeman County and graduated from Bolivar Industrial School; he earned his M.B.A. in Real Estate Management and went on to earn a Doctorate in Religious Studies from Burton University. He helped establish Greater Victory Church in Hardeman County and continues to serve as a Trustee. Morrow is also a founder of Disciples Embracing Christian Education Bible College.
The Morrows thanked all those in attendance and said he and his family were overwhelmed by the many kindnesses shown to them. “Everybody has been so good and kind to me and my family,” Morrow said. “I am so glad that I was able to serve and to work with so many people over the years. I love and believe in Hardeman County!”
Photo - Morrow with his wife Linda and daughters Essence and Melody.