Ricky Leon Morris, 63, of Earlysville, Virginia, affectionately known as Rick, Big Rick, and Dad, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 25, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

Rick was born on October 2, 1958, son of the late Ernest Morris and Dorothy Collier Morris. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry J. Morris.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Gale Garrison Morris; children, Ricky L. Morris, II (Ashleigh), LaDawn R. Herndon (Charlie), Ernest M. Morris (Janey), Tyler B. Morris, Laura M. Morris, Leslie M. Morris, and Luke G. Morris; grandchildren who affectionately called him "Grampy", SaraBeth P. Morris, Ricky L. "Tripp" Morris III, Lincoln J. Herndon, and Theodore J. Herndon; brothers, Roger W. Morris (Barbara) and Nelson R. Morris (Allison); and many other loving family members and friends, including his dog, River.

Rick was a member of the Nortonsville Church of God for 63 years and had a servant's heart which led him to minister in many capacities. He was a talented musician who could hit the lowest bass notes and could sing a mean tenor. He was a lifelong Albemarle High School Marching Patriot. Rick was previously employed by Brady-Bushey Ford with over 32 years of service. He was currently employed as the Director of Fleet and Facilities Management with the County of Greene.

Big Rick had a genuine love for his family and its heritage. He took pride in large family gatherings, the abundance of fellowship, and reaping the benefits of our family's southern hospitality.

He loved to play pickleball, cornhole, ping pong, softball and was proud to be a member of the Nortonsville Church of God's championship softball team.

Dad loved visiting the Outer Banks with his family where he spent many hours metal detecting, finding treasures, and building superior sandcastles that stopped people in their tracks.

Rick never met a stranger. He was always wearing a smile, sometimes a mischievous grin, and had an uncanny sense of humor that lit up the room and led to laughter and many memories.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. William Bigelow, nurses, Jackie, T.J., Samantha, Mimi, Jessica L., Mariah, Sarah, Kris, and the staff of 4South.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Nortonsville Church of God, 1505 Simmons Gap Road Dyke, VA 22935.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 29, 2021, at Nortonsville Church of God with Pastors Greg Payne and David Allison officiating. Interment will follow at Chestnut Grove Cemetery.

An online guestbook is available at www.ryanfuneral.com.

Ryan Funeral Home of Ruckersville is in charge of arrangements.
 

Submitted by Sam Clarke and Allen Carver.