After nearly 40 years of public service, Ward 1 Council Member Sonny Morris has retired from the City of Winder City Council. Morris is the longest-serving council member in the city’s history.

Morris has called Winder home for more than 70 years. He was first elected to City Council in October 1986. During his tenure, he helped guide Winder through decades of growth, change, and investment—playing a key role in shaping the community into what is now known as a “City of Opportunity.” He also served as mayor pro tem and chaired multiple council committees throughout his career.

“I enjoy helping people,” Morris said in a recent interview. “I wasn’t just a councilman for one ward—I tried to help every citizen in this city. I wanted to help make Winder a better place to raise a family, to work, and to worship.”

When Morris first took office, Winder was a small town of roughly 8,000 residents. Over the years, he helped lead the city through periods of economic expansion, infrastructure development, and complex civic challenges. His approach to leadership emphasized preparation, transparency, and weighing both facts and human impact.

“The one thing about Sonny is that he makes decisions based on two things— one is head, and one is heart,” said Jimmy Terrell, mayor of the City of Winder, who has known Morris for decades. 

City Administrator Jonathan Lynn highlighted Morris’s consistency and long-term perspective.

“For 40 years, Sonny showed up for the City of Winder with steady consistency,” Lynn said. “He understood that public service isn’t about flashy moments — it’s about patience, discipline, and showing up day after day to do things the right way. He kept his eye on the long game, guiding this city with experience, integrity, and a genuine love for the community. Winder is better today because of his dedication, and his absence will be felt deeply.”

Before entering public service, Morris played minor league and professional baseball with the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox. After a sports-related injury ended his playing career, he later retired from Scientific Atlanta, Inc., where he served as purchasing and materials manager.

Despite traveling widely during his baseball career, Morris said Winder was always home.

“No matter where I played, I always came back to Winder,” he said.

Outside City Hall, Morris is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife, Janet, have been married for 64 years.

Morris served as grand marshal of the 2025 Winder Christmas Parade. On December 20, the City of Winder held a celebration honoring Morris at The Chimneys Golf Course — a place he frequents and helped bring under city jurisdiction. During the event, the City dedicated the Sonny and Janet Morris Bench on Hole 12, Morris’s favorite hole. Caddy Lane was renamed Sonny Morris Drive. A plaque was unveiled recognizing the future Sonny Morris Training Facility, a planned project to teach golf to the next generation. Morris will also be recognized Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Winder City Council meeting.