Meet Dillon Wines

Shuly Cawood • August 14, 2024

Get to Know Us...

Dillon Wines, Morris-Baker’s Assistant Operations Manager, knew he wanted to work in funeral service from a very young age. “I always made sure our family pets had a proper funeral and burial,” he says.


Originally from Newport, TN, he graduated from Cocke County High School and then got a mortuary science degree from John A. Gupton College. He has spent his entire career working in funeral service.


He was drawn was drawn to work at Morris-Baker Funeral Home because of it being the last both locally-owned and family-owned funeral home in Johnson City. “I like working with so many unique people who are all so passionate about taking care of families,” he says. 


Dillon brings a positive attitude, attention to detail, and kindness to his work. His thoughtfulness and care is evident in how he spends time outside the office: Recently he has taken on the work of helping save monarch butterflies, which are being reviewed every year as a potential endangered species because of their decreasing population and the increasing threats to their survival. 


Dillon grows his own native milkweed—an important host plant for these butterflies—and shares its seeds with others who want to grow it. Milkweed has chemical compounds that make monarch caterpillars poisonous to predators—thus giving the caterpillars a better chance of survival. Dillon says, “I am also raising monarch caterpillars by hand ensuring they are safe until they emerge, and then I re-release them.”


Dillon also loves spending time with his two dogs and getting out in nature.


We hope Dillon is with us for many years to come, and we are thrilled he is a part of our team and family.

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At Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, we believe in honoring those who serve our community with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. This week, we had the privilege of celebrating our local emergency workers with a special lunch, hosted in partnership with our friends at Firehouse Restaurant. This event is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition rooted in gratitude and memory. We remember with deep appreciation how our local firefighters stood by our former owner, Carson Baker, after the passing of his beloved wife, Dot Baker. Their kindness during that difficult time left a lasting impression on our family and our funeral home. After Dot’s passing, Carson found comfort in the unwavering support of his friends at the fire station. Their kindness went far beyond duty—they offered him companionship, shared meals, and a sense of belonging during one of the hardest times in his life. That generosity and friendship will never be forgotten. Today, we carry on that tradition. By serving lunch to our emergency workers, we honor not only their service but also the legacy of kindness and connection that Mr. Baker cherished so deeply. To all our firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and first responders—thank you. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and your compassion will always be remembered. With heartfelt gratitude, Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services Family
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When Imelia McAllister was studying criminal justice at East Tennessee State University, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after graduation. One of the professional fields that interested her was funeral service, so she began exploring it. “I was looking into mortuary school,” Imelia says, “but I didn’t want to rush into it because I wanted to be positive that it was the right step for me.” When Imelia saw the job posting in front office administration at Morris-Baker, she decided to apply. “I liked the fact that it was a family-owned business, and everyone was so nice when I came to interview,” she says. “I started here with reception hoping to see how I would feel about becoming a funeral director.” Imelia did see. As the months passed—and her skills and knowledge deepened—she learned a lot more about the field. “I decided that becoming a director wasn't for me, but I have also discovered that I enjoy working on the administrative side and helping out in that way.” She has also discovered how different a funeral service staff can be in contrast to the stereotype. “You see all these portrayals of people in the funeral business as being very stuffy and strict, but everyone that I have talked to in this business is so kind and funny and just a delight to be around,” she says. She adds, “Everyone here is so helpful. They really make me feel like there are no stupid questions.” There never will be. We’re happy that Imelia came to Morris-Baker and that although path might not have been the one she thought she would be on, that she’s on a path with us.
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