Tony Lynn Morton, known by most as “Hotdog,” passed from this life on Monday morning, May 25, 2026, at the age of 65. Tony was born in Marshall County, Alabama, on March 9, 1961, to the late John Quincey and Betty Jean Tucker Morton.
As a young man, Tony played both football and softball where his incredible speed and athletic abilities were showcased, earning him the nickname “Hotdog.” Tony enjoyed mentoring and supporting his adopted boys, the Mountain Brook Spartans Football Team, where he continued to use the athletic gifts that God blessed him with. Tony also enjoyed NASCAR, deer hunting, and vacationing in the mountains, but his happy place was the beach.
In December 1986, Mr. Morton met the love of his life, Joann, at a gas station. The two dated a couple of months and both knew they had found their person. After a yearlong engagement, Joann and Tony married and have been married for thirty-eight years. Together they raised a son, Cheston, and celebrated the arrival of their grandchildren, Jessey, Brylea, and Wrenleigh, all of whom they have spoiled and adored. As in all marriages, there have been seasons of both heartache and celebration, but through it all their love has remained steadfast.
Mr. Morton was a member of Redan Missionary Baptist Church, and he worked for thirty-two years a Chemical Inspector for Copeland Compressor Company in Hartselle, Alabama, where he made many lasting friendships.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joann Morton; son, Cheston Morton; grandchildren, Jessey Morton, Brylea Morton, Wrenleigh Lacey; aunt and uncle, Sue and Raymond Hayes; siblings, Myrtle Wilbert (George), Calvin Johnson (Annette), Donnie Roden (Betty), Nathan Morton, Margaret Eddie (Bill), Dale Morton; his adopted boys; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Friends are invited to join the Morton family for a time of visitation on Friday evening, May 29, 2026, at Redan Missionary Baptist Church, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tony will lie in state on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the church, from 2 p.m. until services begin at 3 p.m., where Dr. David Chambers will officiate alongside Chris Yeager and David Stancil. Following services, Tony will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery where his nephews, Michael Rogers, Kai Rogers, Dylan Morton, Marcus Johnson, Jason Thomas, Dale Ray Morton, and Jamas Wilbert have the honor of serving as pallbearers.
Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Morton family.
