OUR STAFF

Preston is a third-generation funeral director. He is a lifelong Johnson City resident and the son of Tom McKee and Harriet Baker. He is married to Shuly Cawood. Preston graduated from Science Hill High School and the University of the South. He is a former chair of the Johnson City Area United Way Board of Directors and has served as the Allocations Committee chair as well as Johnson City’s United Way Campaign chair. Preston has served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and he is currently a member of the Johnson City Rotary Club.

Harriet is a native and lifelong resident of Johnson City. She is a graduate of Science Hill High School and East Tennessee State University. Harriet is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Johnson City – Washington County Area United Way, and Girls Inc. She has also been active in Habitat for Humanity and the Johnson City Arts Council. Harriet has four children, including Preston McKee, as well as eight grandchildren.

Shuly Cawood has had a career in writing and editing, journalism, and public outreach. She has an MA in journalism from The Ohio State University and an MFA in creative writing from Queens University. When not working for Morris-Baker, she is busy writing books and teaching creative writing workshops online. She also loves doodling and painting, taking long walks in the woods with her dogs, and doting on her houseplants.

Katie Johnson began working with Morris-Baker in 2018. Originally from Minnesota, she has an associate’s degree from Normandale Community College and a bachelor of science degree in mortuary science from the University of Minnesota. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering to help animal rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries. She also likes travel, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with her family and friends.

Originally from Newport, TN, Dillon Wines is a graduate of John A. Gupton College and has worked in funeral service his entire career. He has been with Morris-Baker since 2024, and when he is not working, he loves spending time with his dogs, being out in nature, and helping save monarch butterflies. He is also a member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church.

Originally from Elizabethton, K. Daniel Dunn has been working with Morris-Baker since 2020. Daniel is a graduate of Unaka High School, World Christian Ministries, Stratford Career Institute, and John A. Gupton Mortuary College. Before working in funeral service, Daniel worked for Loomis Armored Services and First Tennessee Human Resources Agency. Daniel was born and raised in this area, and he considers it an honor to serve those who call these mountains-and beyond—home. Daniel and his wife Tracie enjoy spending time together and with their children and grandchildren, playing with their two dogs Marley and Beau, savoring a good meal, and watching a great movie or football game.

Kate Stampanato joined Morris-Baker in 2014 as an apprentice and then became a fully licensed staff member. Originally from Chicago, she graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science. In her free time, Kate likes to travel to places in the region—Asheville, Pigeon Forge, Chattanooga—and she loves to take walks with her dog and to go hiking. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

Calvin is a Paintsville, Kentucky native who has lived in Johnson City since joining Morris-Baker in 1999. He is a graduate of Paintsville High School and the Mid-America College of Funeral Service (Jeffersonville, Indiana). Calvin is a member of Heritage Baptist Church, and in the past, he has been involved with the Jaycees, Masons, and Lions Club.

Rocky grew up in Johnson City and is a graduate of Daniel Boone HS. He and his family live in Jonesborough, and he is a member of the Maranatha Tabernacle Church in Unicoi. In his free time, he enjoys singing Southern Gospel, and he likes watching college football and the NFL.

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Mike Richards has worked with Morris-Baker since 2012. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. Mike worked in the ministry for nearly twenty years and is also a certified celebrant.

Charles has been a resident of Johnson City for all of his life, and he has been with Morris-Baker Funeral Home for over 25 years. Retired from the Tennessee Department of Safety, Charles is a US Army Veteran. He and his wife, Betty, attend Heritage Baptist Church.

Born and raised in Johnson City, Judy Ellis is now retired from the Washington County Department of Education, where she worked for over three decades. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, exploring Asheville, cooking, playing the piano and organ, and she is the organist at Gray United Methodist Church.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Mark Finucane moved South to attend ETSU and never left. He lives in Johnson City with his wife. Mark is retired from the Johnson City Fire Department, where he served as assistant chief. He is involved with the United Way of Washington County, Up & At’Em Inc., ETSU Biological/Chemical Safety Committee, and the City of Johnson City Golf Advisory Board. In his free time, Mark enjoys physical fitness, travel, golf, reading, and watching sports.

A graduate of ETSU, Phillip McClain has been a resident of Johnson City for over 40 years, and he has been working at Morris-Baker since 2010. He served in the Navy, and he retired from Valleydale Foods as a regional sales manager after 24 years. He has served on the Washington County School Board member since 2004, and he and his wife are members of the Wesley United Methodist Church, the Telford Cemetery Association, and the Diseabled American Veterans through volunteer services at Mountain Home. McClain also volunteers for the Storytelling Festival every year.

Originally from Erwin, Imelia McAllister is an ETSU graduate and has been working with Morris-Baker since early 2023. When Imelia is not working, she enjoys spending time with her partner, friends, family, and dog. She’s also an avid reader.

Originally from Bristol, Haleigh Little moved to Johnson City over five years ago and started working with Morris-Baker in 2023. When Haleigh is not working, she enjoys creating art, walking in nature, playing video games, and spending time with her husband and their dogs and cat.

Vickie Berry grew up locally and is a graduate of Unaka High School and East Tennessee State University. She has worked at Morris-Baker since 2011 and has spent her career focused on administrative management. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Bobby, and her daughter, Emilee. She also enjoys cooking, baking, boating at Watauga Lake with her family, and gardening.