Ralph Lamar "Mo" Morris

Mr. Ralph Lamar “Mo” Morris, 80, passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He was born in Tate County, Mississippi on January 23, 1946, the son of the late John Wallace Morris and Florence Boling Morris. Mo proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. After his service in the Marine Corps, he applied and became a North Carolina Highway Patrolman in 1970. His first duty station with the Highway Patrol was in Orange County, NC. He then transferred to Surry County, where he was stationed until his retirement in 1994. During his career with the Highway Patrol, he started a wallpaper business. Mo worked with and met many people he considered friends while “hanging paper”. As home décor trends changed, Mo decided he was done climbing that old wooden ladder and retired from “hanging paper” but as anyone who knows him will understand, he just couldn’t be still. He then became a substitute school bus driver for Westfield Elementary at the encouragement of his daughter-in-law and shortly after became a full-time bus driver. Mo truly enjoyed being around the children and teachers at Westfield and actually drove two of his grandchildren’s school bus. After his retirement from the Highway Patrol, Mo and his wife Faye became involved in the church and were currently attending Simmons Grove Baptist Church. Most evenings, during warm weather, Mo, Faye and Abby could be seen sitting on the porch watching the traffic and waving at their neighbors. One of his favorite things in the world was spending time at the coast surf fishing. Mo will be remembered for many things, including his love of family, strength of character and commitment to his state and country. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wallace Morris and Wayne Morris; a sister, Velma Traywick and his main man, Andy.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Faye Dean Joyce Morris of the home; his special baby, Abby (there’s a reason she is listed before his children!); two sons, Scott Morris (Kim) of Westfield and Kevin Morris (Lee) of Walnut Cove; two daughters, Melissa Riddle of Pilot Mountain and Melinda Riddle (Penny) of Pilot Mountain; and six grandchildren, Evan Morris (Grace), J.C. Morris, Clark Morris, Ellie Morris, Lilly Morris and Aydn Hall. He is also survived by three sisters, Sylvia Norris, Frances Parker and Betty Marsh (Ronnie): three brothers, J.L. Morris (Pearl), Doug Morris (Kay) and Randy Morris (Donna) and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Simmons Grove Baptist Church in Pilot Mountain with Pastor Jacob Hall and Rev. Dale Wallace officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Pilot Mountain. The family will receive friends from 6:00pm until 8:00pm Friday, March 13, 2026, at Simmons Grove Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, Simmons Grove Baptist Church or Sulphur Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.