Eldon A. Morris
Eldon Alexander “Sonny” Morris, 83, passed away at his home in Brown’s Cove, Virginia on November 6th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
Sonny was born December 30th, 1939 to Alec and Vernie Morris. Sonny fought a long courageous battle with a multitude of health issues including four strokes, a brain tumor, and heart failure. His battle with serious medical issues showed his courage in facing life challenges with determination and a smile. Despite the pain, Sonny never gave up and stayed strong until the very end.
Sonny was preceded in death by his wife Mary. Mary and Sonny married after a short courtship on June 4th, 1960, and remained married for 57 years, until Mary’s death in 2017. He is survived by their two children, Sue Houchens (Ben) of Crozet, Virginia, Richie Morris (Jin) of Florida, and a foster son, Jeff Rosson of Charlottesville, Virginia along with six siblings whom he loved dearly, Mary Morris, Jenny Perkins, Ruth Morris, Betty Nosar, Judy Morris, and Larry Morris.
Sonny was also survived by four cherished grandchildren, Richard Morris(Meagan) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Samantha Halterman (Jeremy) of Waynesboro, Virginia, Kori Morris of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Heather Franklin (James) of Crozet, Virginia Additionally, Sonny felt blessed to have 6 precious great- grand children who he adored, Lilliana and Boston Morris of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Brooklyn and Brianna Franklin of Crozet, Virginia, Savannah Halterman of Waynesboro, Virginia, and Jaxson Anderson of Charlottesville, Virginia and too many beloved nieces and nephews to mention.
Sonny grew up working on his father’s farm in Greene County but ventured out on his own at an early age, first working at the University of Virginia where he became an avid Cavalier sports fan. He cheered the Wahoos on at basketball and football games for over 40 years, until Mary’s health issues made it impossible for them to attend. Sonny was also a passionate LA Dodgers fan, staying up until the wee hours of the morning watching them play.
After marrying, Sonny and Mary moved to Crozet where they worked at Acme Visible Records for 17 years. He and Mary left Acme to open a family business, Morris’ Grocery, which they operated together for 23 years. Ever the thinker and hard worker, knowing that with Mary’s medical issues, his family needed good health insurance, Sonny began driving a school bus for Albemarle County while running his business. The accomplishment that he declared he was most proud of in his life was keeping the children safe on his bus for 30 years.
Sonny wished to be remembered for having the most beautiful lawn in the neighborhood, he loved mowing grass and continued to do so up until the last 3 months of his life. He also wanted to be remembered for coaching little league baseball for many years, for being a hard worker who generously provided for his family and gave to those in need, and for being a member(and trustee) of Brown’s Cove United Methodist Church for 63 years. When he wasn’t working two jobs, Sonny had a competitive spirit and had to be the best in everything he did, he was an amazing checkers player, having beaten the former state champion. He also enjoyed playing cards, chess, and gardening.
Sonny’s family wants to thank Hospice of the Piedmont, and Jessica Batten for their exceptional care during his last days along with his physical therapist, Luke James, who literally helped him get back on his feet, and his speech therapist, Sharon Millner who helped him learn how to swallow and talk again after suffering through stroke after stroke.
A visitation for Sonny will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Teague Funeral Home, 2260 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903. A funeral service for Sonny will be held Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Brown’s Cove United Methodist Church (physical address: 5147 Brown’s Gap Turnpike, Crozet, VA) with a graveside service to immediately following at Mount Moriah Church in White Hall, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, Sonny requested that donations be made to his treasured church, Brown’s Cove United Methodist Church (mailing address: 4844 Fox Mountain Road, Crozet, VA 22932).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teaguefuneralhome.com for the Morris family.
