John Thomas Morris, 86, of Lake James, North Carolina, passed away on October 18, 2023 surrounded by his family at Amorem Hospice Center in Valdese, North Carolina. He was born on October 9, 1937 in High Point, NC. John was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Louis Perry Morris and his brother Frank Morris of Galax, Virginia. He is also survived by two sisters: Betty Morris Johnson and Sarah Morris Funk.
He is survived by his wife of over 22 years, Dru Warf Morris of Bristol, Virginia; son, Steve D. Morris and his wife Gina Brooks Morris of Lenoir City, TN; daughter, Lynn Morris Kinlaw and her husband James “Buddy” Kinlaw of Beavercreek OH. He is also survived by four grandchildren and their spouses: Lauren Kinlaw Wilde and Justin Lenoff; John M. Kinlaw and Valerie Sohasky Kinlaw; Hunter Morris and Brianna Nelson Morris; Haley Morris Howell and Zack Howell. Additionally, He is survived by the children of his spouse, Dru Morris: Andy and Crystal McGuire Passmore and Monica Passmore Capel. John is also survived by seven great grandchildren.
John earned an engineering degree specializing in Furniture Manufacturing from N.C. State University. While attending college, he was a member of the NC State Football and Baseball teams. In 1961, He was selected to the All-ACC football team as a wide receiver. He is still recognized for that achievement at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC.
John will be remembered for his dedication and accomplishments in the Furniture Industry. He leaves behind a legacy of furniture manufacturing innovation and achievement. His executive management skills were utilized all over the world for companies including: Pulaski Furniture, Vaughan Bassett Furniture, Bassett Furniture and others.
John and Dru were avid gardeners, animal lovers and worldwide travelers. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones and all those who knew him.
A private celebration will be held at a later date to honor John’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in John’s name to the ASPCA.
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the Morris family.
Dru, you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you’ll miss him greatly. May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear this and know that I’m praying for you Dru and the family.
So sorry to hear this Dru. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, thoughts, and prayers. I’m so sorry. What a great guy.
Dru, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. May God’s peace and comfort cover you during these harddays.
Dru I just read about your husbands passing. I’m so sorry. Life is short but love last forever. Nothing, not even death can take away the bond you have with him. Know that you have so many friends who love you and are praying for you, me included.
Dru, I am so sorry to hear about John. I am praying for you and your family!
So sorry to learn of John’s passing. Growing up in Galax, a few years younger than John, I looked up to him as his family as one who was proud to be related to the family.