Edsel Leo Morris

Edsel Leo Morris, 91, of Ripley, passed away Friday afternoon, January 23, 2015 in Charlotte, NC where he had been living with his daughter, Sandy and her husband Stan Miller. He was born September 8, 1923 in Gay, WV, son of the late Virgil T. Morris and Orlie (Rhodes) Morris. Edsel attended Ripley High School, after which he served in the U.S. Army as staff sergeant and trained recruits during World War II. In 1951 he started his career with Greyhound, driving for over 30 years. Over the years he logged countless miles, met many interesting people, and recounted great stories of his journeys. He accepted the Lord as Savior early in life and looked forward to spending eternity in heaven. As a member and former Deacon of Ripley Baptist Temple, he was best known as a greeter and had a gift for making people feel welcome. His welcoming words, light banter and smile touched many people. As an extension of his love for God he helped assemble portions of scripture and entire Bibles for distribution via missionaries around the world. He and his wife spent many hours visiting senior citizens and helped coordinate the Golden Years Fellowship group at church, where he was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. He was gifted in working on small motors and fixed many mowers from Jackson to Kanawha Counties. He enjoyed woodworking crafts and even learned to quilt with Bernadene. He will be missed by his children: Daughter, Sandy Miller (Stan) of Charlotte, NC; Son, David Morris (Susan) of Fort Wayne, IN; Daughter, Diana Carroll (Jim) of Glen Mills, PA; twelve Grandchildren: Kristen Miller Punsalan, Lyndsey Miller Kenerley, Matthew Morris, Andrew "Drew" Morris, Jonathan Morris, Zachary Morris, Lynette Carroll Johnson, Randy Carroll, Andrew Carroll, Alyssa Carroll, and Layna Carroll; and eight Great-grandchildren; Sophia and Stella Punsalan, Cole Kenerley, Lily and Tripp Morris, Madeline Morris and Annie Morris; Surviving siblings; Eleanor Myers of Dunbar, Edgar Morris of Dunbar, Janet Lones of Michigan, Kenneth Morris of Huntington. In addition to his parents, Edsel was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Bernadene (Waybright) Morris, a granddaughter, Amy E. Miller, great-granddaughter Daisy Morris, four sisters, Dorothy Johns, Glenva Randolph, Ruth Skinner, Ruby Ferguson, and two brothers, Ayward Morris and Keith Morris. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made in his honor to further Bible distribution around the world. Mark donations "Bibles" and send to Ripley Baptist Temple. Ripley Baptist Temple, 320 Charleston Drive, Ripley, WV 25271. (304) 372-3413 The service will be officiated by Pastors Jim Carroll and Rick Perrine on Saturday, January 30, 11 AM at the Waybright Funeral Home, 511 S. Church St., Ripley, WV 25271; (304) 372-2881. The family looks forward to greeting friends on Friday, January 30 from 4 - 8 PM and again at 10 AM prior to the service. Interment with Military Rites by American Legion Post 107, Ripley, will follow at the Parsons Cemetery, Gay, WV. Service: Saturday, January 31, 2015 11:00 am Waybright Funeral Home Visitation: Friday, January 30, 2015 4:00 to 8:00 pm Waybright Funeral Home