Johnny Earl Morphew Jr.

Sgt. Johnny Earl Morphew Jr., 48, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009. He was a sergeant with the Bristol Fire Department for five years and a member of the force for 16 years. He was also a member of the Bristol Life Saving Crew as well as a member of the Chilhowie Fire Department for 17 years. His love of the bagpipes led him to become a member of the Appalachian Highlanders. He was also very proud member of Wellmont One. He had many accomplishments in the EMS field being most proud of his Critical Care Flight Paramedic Certification; he is only one of one thousand worldwide. He was an instructor for The Virginia Office of EMS and Virginia Department of Fire Programs. He had many more certifications in the EMS field, too numerous to list. He loved many things including hiking, camping, playing the bagpipes, and teaching. Out of everything in his life, he had the most love for his wife and daughter. Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Terri Heath Morphew; daughter, Mallory Morphew and fiancé, Joshua Jessee; mother, Ernestine Compton Johnson; three brothers, Earnest Morphew and wife, Pam, Phillip L. Morphew and Tanja Thompson, and Larry Coleson; one sister, Judy Mair; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Porter and Hazel Heath; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Dixon and husband, David, Kim Frye and husband, Barry; one brother-in-law, Tim Heath; nieces and nephews, Meagan and Brent Dyson, Cole Frye, Bailey Frye, and Logan Frye, E.J. Morphew, Cayle Morphew, Josh Morphew, Jacob Morphew, Randy Coleson, Heather Lewis, Christine Mair, and Hannah Mair; great-nephew, Brady Dyson; and many special friends and co-workers. Funeral services were conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Chilhowie United Methodist Church with the Rev. David St. Clair, the Rev. Tim Blevins, the Rev. Richard Thompson and the Rev. Eric Ramey officiating. Visiting hours were 1 until 3 p.m. and 5 until 8 p.m. Friday prior to the funeral service at the church. A graveside service was conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery with Fire Fighter Rites conducted. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Trust Fund for Terri and Mallory, ICO Bank of Chilhowie, P.O. Box 1560, Chilhowie, VA 24319. Williams Funeral Home, Chilhowie, was in charge of arrangements.