Jefferson William Morris

Jefferson William Morris, age 85, of Galax, Virginia answered his final call on Thursday April 22, 2026, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Jeff was born on July 21, 1940 in Galax, Virginia to Ralph and Elsie Todd Morris.

He graduated from Galax High School in 1960 and enlisted in the Army in 1963. In June of 1965, he came home on leave and married his high school sweetheart, Doris Waddell. They returned to Germany and lived there until his discharge in 1966. After a short time in Norfolk, Virginia, Jeff and Doris moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where Jeff attended Virginia Western Community College and worked for Norfolk and Western Railroad, as a Fireman and as an Engineer. In 1971, Jeff and Doris moved back home to Galax. Jeff joined the Galax Fire Department in 1976, and was a lifelong member. He worked as the Director of Maintenance and Security at Twin County Regional Hospital until he retired in 2000. Jeff enjoyed his retirement by working in his workshop, being active in the Galax Fire Department, traveling with Doris, and enjoying his grandchildren. He was proud to serve his community as part of the Galax Fire Department for 50 years, alongside his son Lee. He attended Cornerstone Community Church, where his son Mike is the pastor.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Doris Waddell Morris; two sons, Lee Morris and wife, Micky; Mike Morris and wife, Jennifer; three grandchildren and spouses, Emma and Philip Beaver of Christiansburg, Virginia; Luke and Madison Morris of Galax, Virginia; Drew and Elli Morris of Cullowhee, North Carolina. Also surviving, one brother Harry Morris, and wife Betty Lou of Kingsport, Tennessee; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Waddell of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Emily Hill of Wilmington, North Carolina; and one brother-in-aw, Kenneth Waddell of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Ralph Neal Morris (wife Mary); and one sister, Sue Morris Pearson (husband Jack); and brothers-in-law William Waddell and Bob Waddell.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday April 27 in the Vaughan Guynn Chapel with Reverend Tom Whartenby officiating. The family will receive friends from 12-2pm before the service. A graveside service will follow at Felts Cemetery with a helmet ceremony performed by the Galax Fire Department.

The family wants to express their thanks to our wonderful community for the prayers, calls, food, and love for our family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Galax Fire Department.