Pauline (Polly) Kimsey Morrisey

Pauline (Polly) Kimsey Morrisey, age 93, of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, at Clover Hill Senior Living in Maryville, surrounded by family.

Born on July 12, 1931, in Young Harris, Georgia, she was the daughter of Juanita Hayes Kimsey Shaw. As a child, Polly moved to Tellico Plains, Tennessee, then lived in Binfield, where she graduated from Friendsville High School. She later made Maryville her home.

A woman of many talents, Polly wore numerous hats throughout her life. In 1950, she was crowned queen of a fundraising beauty contest that supported Blount County's polio vaccination program. She was a dedicated Cub Scout leader when her son, Rick, was a scout and later served as the longtime manager of Midland Shopping Center for over 25 years. She was a prominent figure in the Blount County Association of Realtors and, for many years, owned and operated Twin City Real Estate and Murphy's Insurance Co.

A trailblazing businesswoman, Polly served as president of the Tennessee Association of Realtors and was named Blount County’s Businesswoman of the Year. She also made history as the first female state president of the Tennessee Air Force Association, earning the Air Force Association Medal of Merit in 1979. In this role, she held the rank of second lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol.

Polly had a love for adventure and competition. An avid bowler, she spent years competing in a league. A water skiing enthusiast, she was often seen gliding across Fort Loudon Lake. She was also an accomplished golfer, playing across the United States with her husband, Colonel Ed Morrisey. She enjoyed needlepoint, creating many beautiful pieces, and was a devoted Vols fan.

Later in life, she became an outspoken advocate for cybersecurity, teaching high school students the importance of protecting their digital data.

Above all, Polly was a devoted mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Smith; brothers, Joe Dean and Lawrence Kimsey ("Foxy"); and her son, Richard Murphy.

She is survived by her brother-in-law, Ralph Smith; sisters-in-law, Libby Kimsey and Geraldine Kimsey; daughter, Cindy Reynolds, and her husband, Dr. James Reynolds; granddaughter, Eve Caldwell Costner, and her husband, Morgan Costner; great-grandson, Kirby Costner; and grandson, Luke Caldwell. She was especially close to her stepfather, Tom Shaw, and cherished her many nieces and nephews.

Polly will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, sharp business acumen, and deep love for her family and community.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 PM, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home.