Appalachia, Va.-James Edward “J. E.” Morris, 71, of the Derby Community, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap, Va.
He was a 1971 graduate of Appalachia High School. J. E. worked for Piggly Wiggly for several years as a butcher, A & A Security with the rank of Captain for many years and worked as a security guard for the Norton Bottling Co./Pepsi for five years. He had a passion, his whole life, for model cars. He, also, loved his guns, country and was a true patriot. He attended Derby Methodist Church.
J. E. was preceded in death by a daughter, Nina Irene Phillips; his parents, Richard Pearl Morris and Eliza (Mullins) Morris; siblings, Bob Morris, Bill Morris, Sue Phillips, Jack Morris and Theda Carroll.
Surviving are his wife of 24 years, Paulette Gibson Morris; two sons, Richard Pearl Morris (Daretha) and James E. Morris (Mystie); step-daughter, Tabitha Estep (Michael); grandchildren, Alex Phillips (Jamie), Austin Phillips (Courtney), step-grandchildren, Colton Estep and Blake Estep; great grandchildren, Derek James, Valerie Diane and Lucas Jasper; sister, Judy Donovan; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 12:00pm – 2:00pm Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Avenue, W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 2:00pm with Pastor David Rose officiating.
Entombment service will follow at the Glencoe Cemetery Mausoleum.
Family will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Derby Methodist Church, 1746 Derby Road, Appalachia, Va. 24216.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Morris family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.