Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel
912-754-6421 (fax) 912-754-3426 P.O. Box 295 Springfield, GA 31329
Charles Winfield Morel, Jr.
Charles Winfield Morel, Jr., age 51, died Saturday, May 30, 2015. Lovingly known as Bucky Morel, he died as a result of a boating accident. While riding in his boat down the Savannah River his boat was captured by the wind and the accident occurred. On lookers described the accident as a tragedy. Rescue units searched tirelessly in hopes of saving a good man. Unfortunately, his body was recovered on Monday.
Bucky was a member of the Mizpah United Methodist Church near Kildare. He joined the church at age 13 years old. He graduated from Effingham County High School. It was during these formative years that Bucky learned to farm first, and then work on his cars, trucks, boats, and motorcycles. Then there were days of learning how to manage a large herd of black angus cows. Bucky had the benefit of knowing his grandfather, Theodore Morel, who taught him to love the land and family. By taking him under his wing, in his El Camino Chevrolet, Grandpa Morel taught him life lessons on how to be a responsible farmer. His father, Charles Morel, continued that same heritage of loving the land and family. His mother, Martha Morel, taught him to laugh, love life and to love people. And following God's command, his life was made complete with his love for Amy and Charlie. Bucky was honored in 2009 as the Man of the Year in Soil Conservation, given by the district supervisors and bankers of the Ogeechee River Soil Conservation District. It was a testimonial of honor conferred upon him for his love of the land, his leadership in the community for being a good citizen, farmer, neighbor, and above all a good American.
While the farm was very important to him, Bucky's family was even more important. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Winfield Morel, Sr., and his sister, Pamela Raymond. He is survived by his loving wife, Amy Martin Morel, and his 4-year old son, Charles Winfield Morel, III (Charlie). He is also survived by his step children, Addison and Ethan Helton. He leaves behind his mother, Martha Morel, and two sisters, Charlene Kilgore (Keith) and Deborah Kicklighter. Also to be remembered are many uncles, aunts, cousins, best friends, neighbors and extended friends...too many to list by name. Bucky was loved by many. With a smile a mile wide, we remember Bucky as a man who lived large and sometimes on the edge. He worked hard and played hard. Say not in grief he is no more - but live in thankfulness that he was.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 4, at the Mizpah United Methodist Church near Kildare. Visitation will be 9:00 – 10:45 AM at the Church, with graveside services at 11:00 AM.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons, Funeral Home
Effingham Chapel
(912)754-6421