Dr. Morris L Panter

Dr. Morris Lee Panter, 63, of Birmingham, Alabama, left the confines of his earthly body while being held in the arms of his beloved wife Tracey on April 18, 2026 at 4:05 p.m. Born on September 8, 1962, in Jasper, Alabama, Morris lived a life marked by faith, a strong work ethic, service, and an unwavering love and loyalty to others.\

Morris attended Walker High School, where he served as manager for the football, baseball, and basketball teams. He graduated from Walker High School in 1980. After graduation, he left Panter Mountain to (briefly) attend Auburn University to become a veterinarian. He quickly came to his senses and enrolled in the greatest school in the country AND the SEC: The University of Alabama (ROLLTIDE!), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In the fall of 1981, Morris joined the Alabama Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at the University of Alabama. He served in leadership positions, including Recording Secretary in 1983 and 1984, and as a mentor and a big brother. Morris played intermural sports for the fraternity, including volleyball, softball, and football, and was exceptionally skilled at Ping Pong.

A huge sports enthusiast, he umpired intermural sports while also serving part-time as a security guard for the university. The brothers in the fraternity house quickly realized Morris was the guy to call when your door didn't hang right after a party, or when a mysterious hole suddenly appeared in the wall and needed patching. Morris had their backs and the skills taught to him by his master carpenter father to keep the fraternity house in working repair. Morris was well-loved by his Sig Ep brothers and all who knew him.

After a brief time working as a construction engineer and desiring a change, his trusted fraternity brother and lifelong friend, Brian Wells asked him to consider Chiropractic. Morris then discovered his passion for healing at Life University in Georgia, earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. His career as a chiropractor began in Louisiana, where he worked with established practices before proudly purchasing his own clinic in Gulfport, Mississippi. He ended his career working at his beloved clinic, Accident Spine & Rehab. During his career, Morris became an expert in the treatment of people who had been injured in automobile accidents. He was a sought-after expert witness with experience testifying in local, state and federal court. He was a certified Crash Reconstruction Expert and could help a jury understand what happens to the human body in a wreck. Dr. Panter was featured many times in print and was interviewed numerous times as an expert on local television. He was considered a "doctor's doctor" and, to most colleagues, was considered to be filled with "Spizzerinctum" and could deliver "the adjustment with something extra."

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, with his practice destroyed and his patient base wiped off the face of the earth, Morris demonstrated extraordinary faith, compassion and resilience. With the only source of income to feed his family of 6 gone and faith in God's provision, he posted a sign outside his damaged clinic that read: "Relief workers treated for free!" Over the next six months, he provided chiropractic care to over 600 relief workers from around the world without asking for payment. This selfless act of faith and kindness exemplified the depth of his character and commitment to serving others as well.

Morris was a patriot who served his country with honor. After completing the ROTC program at the University of Alabama, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and served in the Chemical Corps. Though he was never stationed outside Alabama, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant before being honorably discharged.

Dr. Morris Panter was a man of many talents and interests; it is impossible to list them all. As a young man, he had a side hustle as a photographer; many of the photos in his 1980 high school yearbook were taken by him. He was also known for creating enormous bubbles—larger than cargo vans—that would float into the sky, captivating those who stopped to watch. A gifted singer with a love for karaoke and church music, Morris continued to sing after suffering a stroke several years ago, often serenading Tracey with heartfelt songs. Morris was known to all of his friends as a great singer, music lover, and concertgoer. He was a lifelong unapologetic "Deadhead". Morris' exuberance was only matched by his sense of humor. He was frequently told by others that he was the most naturally funny person they had ever met. He was also a Nerd, Tech Geek, Captain America fan, Star Wars fan (Obi-Wan) and a supreme "Trekker" (not Trekkie) whose captain choice was Picard with Kirk a strong 2nd. He was an animal lover and a dog's best friend many, many times. Like his father, Morris loved and grew roses to give them away.

A man of deep faith, Morris considered his most important title to be "Christ Follower." His relationship with Jesus Christ was central to every aspect of his life. A devoted student of the Bible and prophecy, Morris spent countless hours studying scripture alongside his beloved wife Tracey. Together, they completed extensive word-by-word studies of the Bible multiple times from Genesis to Revelation. In the final weeks of his life, Morris found immense peace and joy in immersing himself in God’s Word. Dr. Panter was a devoted member of First Baptist Church Pleasant Grove where is served as a standby Adult Sunday School teacher and was in the process up helping to upgrade the church's video production capabilities.

Dr. Morris Panter is survived by his beloved mother, Joy Ellen Panter and stepmother, Lynn Panter; his uncles Bly Panter (Casey), Dee Harper, Jr., PHD (Danielle), Herbert Harper (Lane), and aunt Jane McCarter; his youngest brother, Brant Panter (Kim); sister Ruby Kelly Panter, sister-in-law Betty Panter and cousins Scott Lanier, Lane McCarter, (Ginger), Shelby McCarter; his cherished wife of 22 years Tracey; and his children: Caitlin Morris Boudreaux (Patrick), Toni Harper Panter, John Dalton Dunson (Bethany), and Dylan A. Dunson. He was a beloved uncle of Max (Elise), Will (Katy), Lee, Jon and Zak Panter. Great nephews Gibson Panter and Roy Panter, great niece Heidi Rose Panter and another Panter child on the way. The absolute apple of his eye was his only grandchild to date, Ava Grace Boudreaux. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Cecil Panter, Ruby Kelly and Willie Mae Panter as well as maternal grandparents, Dee Harper Sr., PHD and Miriam Harper, Father, Roy Panter , aunt Francis Lanier, and younger brother, Jason Panter. Morris was the first Panter to become a college graduate, as well as the first Panter to become a doctor.

To those who knew him best, Morris was more than just a husband, father, son, brother, co-worker, colleague, and friend—he was a source of laughter, encouragement and light. His friends often described him as "one of the best people ever" or simply said, "there's nobody like Mo." He had an extraordinary ability to maintain lifelong friendships and lift those around him simply by being himself. Dr. Morris Lee Panter leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing and joy to those who celebrate the remarkable life he lived.

A Visitation will be held on April 23, 2026, from 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home, 1498 5th Avenue, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127; (Please feel free to wear your tie dye or concert T-Shirts from back in the day.)Dr. Panter will lie in state atFirst Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove from 1:00 - 2:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026 prior to his Celebration of Life Funeral Service beginning at 02:00 PM at First Baptist Church Pleasant Grove 724 4th Street, Pleasant Grove, Al 35127.

Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Panter family during their time of bereavement. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhomes.com

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