Obituary for
Gilmer Ernest Morris
Gilmer Ernest Morris, 91, of Collinsville, VA, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2017. Born September 11, 1925 in Horsepasture, VA, the son of Edgar Ernest Morris and Bertha Lois Shelton Morris. Gilmer had a strong work ethic and from an early age found ways to help his family. At age five he began selling the Grit weekly newspaper for 5 cents. As a young teen, he would caddie for golfers at a local golf course earning $1 per day.
At age 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His service took him into the Atlantic Ocean where on two different occasions his ship was torpedoed by German submarines. Each time he survived in the Atlantic Ocean until rescued. While in the service he returned half his pay back home to support his family.
Gilmer with his wife, Mary, owned and operated Gilmer E. Morris Oil Co. for over 30 years. He continued to work in the oil distribution business until his retirement at age 81.
He enjoyed an active life spending time with family and friends and always had a strong Christian faith. He embraced his role as a caregiver to friends in need and would often deliver a bucket of chicken from KFC to those he visited. He attended Trinity Friends Church in Martinsville for over 50 years and was a member of the Woodmen of the World.
Gilmer was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Mary Smith Morris. He is survived by his three children, Gilmer Dale Morris (Patsy) of Bassett, Jennifer Ressel of Cary, NC and Judy Field (Roger) of Signal Mountain, TN. He loved his grandchildren, Emily Cevallos (Damian); Trey, Sarah and Andrew Field and great-grandchildren, Chloe and Maddox Cevallos.
Visitation will be at 1:00 pm Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at Roselawn, with funeral service immediately following in the Roselawn Chapel at 2:00 pm. Interment will be at Roselawn Burial Park with full military rights. Memorial contributions may be made to: Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main St. Taunton, MA 02780.
Online condolences may be made to www.roselawnchapelfuneralhome.com
