Meet Mike Richards

Shuly Cawood • May 21, 2024

Get to Know Us: Mike Richards, Continuing Care Coordinator

Mike Richards became a part of the Morris-Baker team five years ago, but his role has evolved as time has passed, and we are happy he is now our continuing care coordinator. 


Having worked in the ministry for nearly two decades, Mike first became interested in the funeral industry because of his passion in ministering to and helping people. “It is often through the loss of a loved one that people are in the most need of comfort,” he said. 


When Mike first began working at Morris-Baker, he was a part of a team that transported loved ones, after death, from their homes or hospitals to the funeral home. “It was an honor to be the first representative of Morris Baker to these families in the midst of their initial loss. Allowing family members to take their time with loved ones and relish those last private moments matters,” he said. “Assuring family members that their loved one would be cared for and respected was a way to comfort them in their darkest hours.”


Mike also became certified as a funeral celebrant with Morris-Baker so he could provide a funeral or memorial service personalized and individualized to reflect the personality and lifestyle of the family’s loved one.


As continuing care coordinator, Mike helps families in planning ahead for services before the time of a loved one’s passing as well provides support and grief resources to families in the days and weeks and even months following the passing. “Becoming a part of people’s lives matters to me,” he explained. “I am passionate about following through and continuing the make sure that families are healing and finding the resources they need for support.”


Morris-Baker has been a good fit for Mike and his commitment to helping people. “I love the camaraderie of the team members. I appreciate that our common goal is to care for and support families,” he said. “What has surprised me most is realizing that in the center of extreme loss and turmoil, if there is a group of dedicated employees focused on the goal of tending to a family’s needs, even joy can be experienced in the midst of darkness.”

Supporting the Salvation Army

By Preston McKee • October 31, 2025
Please Support Operation Thanksgiving

Supporting Family Promise

By Preston McKee • October 31, 2025
At Morris-Baker Funeral Home, we are passionate about supporting community organizations. That's why we are proud to announce that Preston McKee, our owner and funeral director, will be presenting a donation to Bob Hall, the executive director of Family Promise of Johnson City. For 25 years, this amazing organization has raised funds to support low-income families by providing a variety of essential services to assist them in different areas of their lives. We are thrilled to partner with this group and be a part of their incredible work.  To learn more about Family Promise of Johnson City, visit familypromisejc.com .

Supporting Niswonger Children's Hospital

By Preston McKee • July 11, 2025
Morris-Baker’s Fourth Annual Gift Supporting Niswonger Children’s Hospital

Honoring Our Emergency Workers

By Preston McKee • June 9, 2025
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

Pursuit of Excellence Award

By Shuly Cawood • November 13, 2024
We have news to share! We are truly humbled to announce that Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been honored with the 2024 Pursuit of Excellence Award from the National Funeral Directors Association! This award put us among the world’s most distinguished funeral homes, known for delivering extraordinary service while adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards. A big thank you to the NFDA for bestowing this incredible honor on our team!

Come to Our Next Support Group on November 5th

By Shuly Cawood • October 30, 2024
If you or someone you know could benefit from grief support, please make plans to attend one of our upcoming in-person, grief support groups. We meet the first and third Tuesday of every month at Everlan of Johnson City. Next meeting is November 5th at 5pm.

Remember the People You Care About

By Shuly Cawood • October 23, 2024
Preparing their favorite meal is a great way to remember a loved one.

Tomorrow Is National Check Your Meds Day

By Shuly Cawood • October 20, 2024
Tomorrow is National Check Your Meds Day, a time to bring your prescription medications to your pharmacist or physician for a comprehensive review. Can’t go today? Call your pharmacist or doctor any time you have questions or need a medication review.

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Shuly Cawood • October 16, 2024
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most people know someone who is battling or has battled breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds women (and men ) that monthly breast cancer exams should be a regular part of one's self-care.

Get to Know Us: Meet Imelia

By Shuly Cawood • October 13, 2024
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.